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REPORT 



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ORLEANS CENTRAL 



RELIEF COMMITTEE 



All those who have so gexerously coxtkiiicted 
TO THE Yellow Fever SuFFEKEits of 
New Orleans, from the (jreat 
Epidemk; of L878. 




.VEIF ORLEAyS: 

CLARK k HOFELINE, STEAM POWEIl PHINTEKS, 112 01!AVIK]t ST 

1879. 



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REPORT 



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RiEANS CENTRA 



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RELIEF COMMITTEE 



All those who have so generously coxteibuted 
TO THE Yellow Fever Sufferers of 
New Orleans, from the great 
Epidemic of 1878. 



N E IV ORLEANS : 

CLARK & HOFELINE, STEAM POWEK TRINTEliS, 112 GRAVIER ST. 

1879. 



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0]!^ tlie third day of September, 1878, tlie following 
telegram was sent to this city by order of the Secretary 
of War: 

Washington, D. C, Septemher 3, 1S7S. 
Major Sullivan, C. S., New Orleans, La.: 

Tlie Secretary of War authorizes me to direct that you turn over 
to Geo. L. Smith, Collector of Customs at New Orleans, for issue 
to yellow fever suflerers, forty thousand rations of such articles as 
you have on hand, excepting vinegar, candles and soap, reporting 
to this office by telegraph the articles which you have not on hand, 
wliicli will be ordered from Chicago* 

MACFEELY, 
Commissary (Jeneral of Subsistence. 

XTnited States Subf^kte.nce Department, 2Jfl Magazine Street. 
Geo. L. Smith, Collector : 

Sir— The, Commissary General of Subsistence at Washington, 1). 
C, directs me to turn over to you, for issue to yellow fever sufferers, 
forty thousand rations of such articles as I liave on hand. The 
following stores are at your disposal. 

Please inform me where you desire to have tliem sent: 80u 
rations of pork, 4000 of flour, 40,000 of rice, 17,000 rations of hard 
bread, 30,000 coflTee, 10,000 tea, 19,000 sugar, 6000 salt, 6000 pepper. 
The balance of stores completing the 40,000 allowed by the 
Government will be ordered from Chicago. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

THOS. C. SULLIVAN, Major and C. S. 
September 4, 187S. 
Major Thomas Sullivan, Commissary of Subsistence, U. S. Army : 
i»/a>r— Eeferriug to your letter of even date I have to inform 
you that plans for the distribution of rations liave not yet been 
fully matured. 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



I will take pleasure in further communicating to you during the 
day as to the disposition of the supplies to be turned over to me. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEOKGE L. SMITH, Collector of Customs. 

Ou the same day the following notice appeared in 
the daily papers : 

Custovihmise, Collector's Office, \ 
New Orleans, September 4, 1878. / 
The various associations in this city organized for the relief of 
sufferers by yellow fever are respectfully requested to send a repre- 
sentative to confer with the Collector of Customs at this office, at 
12 o'clock M., Thursday, the fifth instant, upon the subject of the 
proper distributions of rations furnished by the Government. 

GEORGE L. SMITH, Collector. 





"^ New Orleans, September 6, 1878. 

In compliance with the above request the presidents 
of a number of charitable organizations of the city met 
at tlie New Orleans Customhouse and adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

1. That a permanent committee be appointed by this body to 
superintend the distribution of the supplies furnished by the 
Government, or by other associations, and shall be known as the 
New Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

2. That this Committee shall be composed of seven persons, 
to-wit : 

J. M. Vandegriff, President Howard Association. 

W. T. Hardie, President Young Men's Christian Association. 

Dr. Doumeing, of St. Vincent de Paul. 

Wm. Wright, Grand Army of the Republic. 

F. L. Richardson, of Relief Committee, Army of Tennessee. 

W. G. Brown, President Mutual Benevolent Relief Association. 

Forestier Dolhonde, President Peabody Subsistence Association. 

That the Committee shall select its own chairman at its first 
meeting. The Committee shall have power to fill all vacancies that 
may occur from any cause whatever. 

3. A Chief Commissary, with as many Commissary Sergeants 




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and Clerks as may be deemed necessary, sliall be appointed by the 
Collector of Customs on the recommendation of the Committee 
herein provided for. 

4. The Permanent Committee herein provided for shall deter- 
mine the number of places and localities for the distribution of 
supplies. 

5. The Committee shall have power to provide itself with sta- 
tionery and blanks. 

GEORGE GRINDLEY, vSecretary pro tern. 

At 3 P. M. the Central Relief Committee met, after 
due notification to all the members, at the office of Col- 
lector Smith. Present — F. L. Richardson, of Army of 
Tennessee ; Victor Sere, holding jjer pro of Dr. Dou- 
meing, President of St. Vincent de Paul; W. G. Brown, 
President of Mutual Benevolent Association; Wm. Roy, 
holding jX'T pro of Wm. Wright, Commander of Grand 
Army of Republic; I). L. Mitchell, holding per jjto of 
Wm. T. Hardie, President of Young Men's Christian 
Association. 

Major P. L. Richardson was elected President, and 
D. L. Mitchell Secretary. 

Resolved, Tliat the office of the Central Con'.mittee be at the 
Customhouse. 

(X That the necessary books be furnished by the Collector of Cus- 
toms. 

That Major Isaac Scherck be invited to open the necessary books 
at once, and direct the details of the issue of supplies. 

That this Committee meet daily at 10 o'clock A. M., Sundays 
excepted. 

That tlie President procure the necessary blanks. 

That we issue five days rations at a time to each applicant, upon 
requisition duly signed by the chairman of the relief committee 
of such benevolent association as may be recognized by this Com- 
mittee, or such other officer as may be designated by the President 
of said association ; the presidents of said associations to furnish us 
with the stumps of said associations and tlu signaUircs of said officers. 







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That the seal of the Commercial Insurance Company be adopted 
as the seal of the Committee and be uped on all official documents ; 
that requisitions be approved by one of this Committee and duly 
registered in this office. 

The name, address and number of family shall be filled out in 
each requisition, written with ink. 

That the jiresident of each benevolent association be requested to 
furr ish the Committee with the number of members of his respec- 
tive association and the address of said association. 

Rations will be issued from 10 to 2 o'clock at the Customhouse and 
places hereafter designated. These rations are to be issued only to 
the families of yellow fever sufferers. 




Customhouse, September 7, 1878, 10 a. m. 

Meeting called to order by the President; following- 
members present: Major F. L. Richardson, Major Wm. 
Roy, Messrs. Victor Sere, D. L. Mitchell and W. G. 
Brown. 

The following resolutions were adopted separately: 

1. That the offer of use of the wires of the American District 
Telegraph Company be accepted, and vote of thanks sent them. 

2. That the offer of Col. James Lewis, of wagon and driver, for 
delivery of rations, be accepted and thanks returned him. 

3. That the presidents of each of tlie benevolent associations 
represented in this Committee detail one reliable man to report 
daily at the rooms of the Committee at 10 A. M-, also, that he fur- 
nish the signatures of such persons as are authorized to sign requi- 
sitions, as well as an impression of the seal of said association. 

4. That the offer of the use of the hall of the Economy Associ- 
ation and services of its officers and members in case we require a 
depot of supplies in their neigliborhood be accepted, and thanks 
sent them. 

o. That the letter of Messrs. Isaacson & Sims, relating to the 
procuring of scales, be placed on the minutes and vote of thanks 
presented. Said letter is as follows: 

Neiu Orleam, September 7, 1878. 
Hon. U. L. Smith, Collector: 

Dear Sir — Yours of 7th received relative to six pairs of scales, two 




large and four small, we have borrowed for the purpose from A. 
Baldwin & Co., one pair large; H. J. Mullan, one pair large; 
Fairbanks & Co., four pairs small, and they will be delivered at once. 
If we can serve you in any way, command us. 

KespectfuUy, ISAACSON & SIMS. 

(3. That the chairmen of the several relief committees of the 
jienevolent associations represented by this Committee be instructed 
to retain all requisitions signed by them, and send same to this office 
daily, from 10 A. M. to 3 p. M., when they will be promptly 
acted upon, and if found correct, they will be approved, when 
Major Scherck will fill same, and they will be delivered at the 
(lomicil of the applicant. Also, that said chairmen be instructed 
to make out said requisitions with great care, giving address of ap- 
plicant, stating number and name of street, as well as between what 
streets, or, if on a corner, designate which corner, as well as give 
number of the house. 

7. That the office of the Committee be located in the Appraiser's 
room in the Customhouse, on lower floor, on right hand side of main 
entrance on Canal street. 

8. That a vote of thanks be presented to Mr. R. H. Brunet, for 
the use of the seal of the Commercial Insurance Company. 

9. That the hours of session of Committee be from 10 a. m. to 
12 M., and a member of the Board remain to act until 3 p. M. daily, 
Sundays excepted. 



Customhouse, September 6, 1878. 

Committee, met at 10 a. m., Major Richardson pre- 
siding, Major Wm. Roy, V. Sere, D. L. Mitcliell and 
W. Gr. Brown present. 

The following resolutions were adopted. 

Vote of thanks to Swarbrick & Co., J. K. Renaud & 
Co., S. E. Rundle, E. AV. Falls, Woodward & Wight, 
D. Sheen and P. M. Joy, who had tendered tlie use of 
spring wagons and floats; also to P. Holton, for offer of 
horse and buggy to Committee for visiting different por- 
tions of the city; also, to li. J. Mullan, A. Baldwin & 






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Co. and Fairbanks, for loaning scales; also, to J. R. 
Kent & Co. for loaning Committee twenty-five barrels 
flour. 

In view of the action of the Peabody Subsistence 
Association at its meeting on Saturday, September 7th, 
and published in the Picmjune of the following day, in 
effect "That as the U. S. Government had established 
a depot of supplies to meet all demands, hereafter the 
Association confine itself to giving out rations on 
requisitions from the Howard Association, Young Men's 
Christian Association, and Ladies' Physiological Asso- 
ciation/' 

Resolved, by the Orleans Central Relief Committee, That the foregoing 
proceedings of the Peabody Subsistence Association do not express 
the prescribed power and intent of this organization, and the sup- 
plies at its disposal, and that vyhile we honor the requisition of every 
associaiion for relief to sufferers from yellow fever, it becomes neces- 
sary to reaffirm our previous well-defined position, namely : That 
no supplies will be issued by us to others than destitute sufferers by 
yellow fever ; hence we can only lienor requisitions for supplies for 
this class of sufferers, and whatever disposition exists among us to 
relieve the general public, it will have to rely on other associations 
for relief. 

Resolved, That after this date the ration shall be reduced to three- 
fourths pound flour, ten pounds sugar to one hundred rations, six 
pounds coffee to one hundred rations, half-pound bacon, two-thirds 
pound hard bread. Other articles as heretofore issued. 



Customhouse, September 10, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 o'clock, Major F. L. Rich- 
ardson presiding, and the following members present: 
Messrs. Roy, Ser6, Mitchell and Brown. 

The following resolutions were adopted; 

A vote of thanks to Messrs. J, R. Kent & Co. for 



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loaning bacon and shoulders for the use of the Com- 
mittee until the su])plies should arrive; and to the fol- 
lowing gentlemen the Committee passed a vote of 
thanks for the use of their wagons, floats, etc. : Messrs. 
Clark & Meader, J. B. Solari, Charles Lacoume, Geo. 
McCloskey, E. Offner, D. Lopez, F. P. Sala, and T. M. 
Wescoat, of the Southern Express Company. 

On motion, the Committee adopted the following 
resolution : 

Hereafter, when applications for rations are made to the proper 
officers of the various benevolent and charitable associations of the 
city of New Orleanss, it shall be the duty of said officers to care- 
fully examine the condition of all applicants and attach a report 
of such examination to each requisition for rations, otherwise the 
same will not be honored by this Committee. 

On further consideration, another resolution was 
adopted, to the effect that hereafter all requisitions 
shall be accompanied by the original application or 
certificate of the attending physician, containing a full 
statement of the number in family to be supplied, and 
the number of well and convalescent, so that there will 
be positive evidence that the applicant is either directly 
or indirectly suffering from the effects of the fever. 

The Committee passed a vote of thanks to Peter 
Hoi ton, who tendered the use of horse and buggy for 
the use of the Committee, to be used when required. 



Customhouse, Septembm- 11, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 o'clock a. m., Major F. L. 
Richardson presiding, and the following members pres- 
ent: Messrs. Roy, Mitchell, Ser6 and Brown. 

Ceo. L. Hall, Esci. , was elected a member of the Or- 
leans Central Relief Committee vice Dolhonde, unable 

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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



to attend. On motion, Isaac Scherck was elected a 
member of the Committee. 

A vote of thanks was passed by the Committee to 
the following merchants of our city for their kindness 
in loaning wagons for delivering the rations: Messrs. 
Merrow & Westerfield, grocers, Frank Pace, and J. J. 
Martin. 

The following resolution Avas adopted: That the 
President appoint a committee of five responsible per- 
sons, whose duty it shall be to carefully examine all 
applications for relief that may be brought before the 
Committee, and also investigate all cases of rations 
returned " not found. " etc. 



Customhouse, Sejjtember 12, 1878. 

The Committee met 10 a. m., Major F. L. Richard- 
son presiding, and the following members present: 
Messrs. Roy, Mitchell, Sere, Hall, Brown and Scherck. 

The Committee passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. 
Sparicio & Paltorus and Con. Boyle, grocers, for the 
use of wagons tendered the use of the Committee. 

A communication was forwarded to the Howard 
Association, asking them to furnish this Committee 
five hundred dollars with which to pay certain necessary 
expenses. 




Customhouse, September 13, 1878. 

Tlie Committee mot at 10 a. m., Major F. L. Rich- 
ardson in the chair; present, Messrs. Roy, Hall, Mitch- 
ell, Sere, Scherck and Brown. 

Communication received from the Howards, donating 
two hundred and fifty dollars to this Committee. 



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The Collector turned over to this Committee a dona- 
tion of two hundred dollars which ho had received from 
Nova Scotia. 

The entire day was occupied by the Committee in 
passing uj^on the various applications for relief which 
had been presented to them. 



Customhouse, SejJtemher H, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 o'clock, F. L. Richardson 
in the chair; present, Messrs. Mitchell, Roy, Sere, Hall, 
Brown and Scherck. 

The following statement was adopted by the Commit- 
tee: 

Having been charged by Geo. W. Bryant and some 
others of the committee of the Mutual Benevolent Re- 
lief Association as follows : 

" Whereas, The Orleans Central Relief Association Committee, in 
charge of the distribution of the Government rations at the Custom- 
house, under a strained construction of the orders from Washington, 
issue rations only to the yellow fever sick or convalescents, to the 
utter detriment of the starving poor." 

That the public may judge for themselves whether 
our interpretation of the order has been strained or not, 
we annex a copy of the telegram from the Secretary of 
War. 

Washington, September I4, 1878. 
Major Sullivan, C. S., New Orleans : 

The Secretary of War authorizes me to direct tliat you turn over 
to Geo. L. Smith, Collector of Customs at New Orleans, for issue for 
yellow fever sufferers, forty thousand rations of such articles of 
rations as you have on hand, excepting vinegar, candles and soap, 
reporting to this office by telegraph the articles which you have 
not on hand, which will be ordered from Chicago. 

MACFEELEY, C G. S. 

By order of the Committee : 

D. L. Mitchell, Secretary. 



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13 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



Customhouse, September 11, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 a. m., Major F. L. Richard- 
son presiding, Messrs. Hall, Roy, Sere, Mitchell, Brown, 
and Scherck present. 

The Committee passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. 
Brewster & McCracken, and E. Martin, 58 and 60 
Bourbon street, for tlieir assistance to the Committee in 
loaning their wagons; also. Con. Boyle, grocer, 208 
Poydras street. 

The time of the Committee was occupied in approv- 
ing the applications for relief which had been presented 
to them. 



Customhouse, September 18, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 a. m., F. L. Richardson 
presiding, and the following members present: Messrs. 
Roy, Hall, Sere, Mitchell, Brown and Sclierck. 

Mr. Henry Perry was tendered a vote of thanks for 
the loan of his wagon; also to the Manager of the Sep- 
toline Oil Company. The following was received from 
the Septoline Oil Company: 
Orleans Central, Committee : 

Gentlemen — We herewith place at your disposal (without charge) 
horse, wagon and driver, for use in the delivery of rations. 

THOS. SEWELL, Manager. 

The Committee forwarded the following to the Hon- 
orable Secretary of Wfir: 

Office N. O. Central Belief Committee. 
Respectfully referring to the proceedings of the Howard Associa- 
tion representing that sufficient financial aid had been received for 
tlie relief of the sufferers, from the terrible yellow fever epidemic now 
2)revailing in our midst, and suggesting the self-evident conclusion 
that the number of convalescents will be very large, and that great 
distress and need during the convalescing piriod will result, and tiiat 






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only a portion of the needy will even then be supplied, the Orleans 
Central Relief Committee, in view of the certainty of the destined 
destitution, would respectfully rejiresent to tlie Honorable Secretary 
of War that there will be absolute need of about sixty thousand 
more rations for our helpless people, making one hundred thousand 
in all, and as the Committee is now in succcessful and satisfactory 
operation, as is shown by the accompanying telegrams, that the 
rations be furnished to the Hon. Geo. L. Smith, Collector of the 
Port, to be issued under his direction through the Orleans Central 
Relief Committee. Should the matter receive favorable considera- 
tion, we respectfully request the Honorable Secretary of War to 
order the immediate transportation of the rations to this port. 

FRANK L. RICHARDSON, President, 

ISAAC SCHERCK, 

WILLIAM ROY, 

VICTOR SERE, 

G. L. HALL, 

WM. G. BROWN. 
D. L. Mitchell, Secretary. 

The following testimonial indorsing the Orleans Cen- 
tral Relief Committee in the distribution of the rations 
was forwarded to the Secretary of War: 

We, the undersigned, representatives of the various charitable 
and benevolent societies of the city of New Orleans, most cheer- 
fully attest the efficiency, worthiness, and equity of the Orleans 
Central Relief Association in the distribution of the supplies fur- 
nished by the United States Government for the relief of the suf- 
ferers by yellow fever, regardless of race, color, creed, or nation- 
ality: 

Wm. Wright, Chairman Relief Committee, Grand Army Republic. 

A. S. Badger, President A. U. Club. 

W. P. O'neill, St. Petei-'s Conference, St. Vincent de Paul. 

Manuel Abascal, Algiers Relief Committee. 

John Astredo, Chairman Relief Committee, Tiro al Bersaglio. 

Henry Tebbe, " " " Ger. Friendship Ass'n. 

Victor Sere, President St. Augustine Conf., St. Vincent de Paul. 

W. T. Hardie, Young Men's Christian Association. 

W. B. Lancaster, President St. Theresa Society, St. V. de Paul. 




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U Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



I. X. Marks, President Firemen's Charitable Association. 
Edwin Marks, Dy. G. M. G. L. Stnte of Louisiana, F. and A. M. 
James Beggs, President " Belief to the Worthy." 
Leo Blessing, German Benevolent Association. 
J. A. Chalaron, 2(1 Vice President Ass'n. Army of Tennessee. 
Anthony Sambola, Orleans Artillery. 
J. K. Bell, President Steam boatmen's Relief Association. 
Albert Voorhies, President Homoeopathic Relief Association. 
S. Herman, Chairman 8iipi)lies, Touro Infirmary and H. B. A. 
Mrs. Nicholas Sinnott, President Ladies' Physiological Ass'n. 
Mrs M. N. Tripler, Secretary. 

J. V. Donovan, St. Michael's Conf vSt. Vincent de Paul. 
Jacob Hassinger, President German Relief Association. 
T. A. Bartlett, President American and Mutual Aid Association. 
W. H. Moody, Secretary Odd Fellows' Aid Association. 
M- J. Kernaghan, V. P. and Secretary Society St. V. de Paul. 
Dr. E. Doumeing, President Society St. Vincent de Paul. 
W. G. Brown, Mutual Benevolent Relief Association. 
E. H. Tracy, " Heart of Hearts" Association. 
L. E. R. Kay, Chairman Union Benevolent Relief Association. 
The Committee adopted a resolution issuing full 
rations of coffee, sugar, rice and tea. 



Customhouse, September 20, 1878. 

'Vha Committee met at 10-^ o'clock a. m. ; present, F. 
L. Riciiardson, Cliairman, Messrs. Roy, Mitchell, Hall, 
Scherek, Ser^ and Brown. 

The Committee considered applications for relief and 
passed such as were found worthy. Upon motion, it 
was decided not to issue blank requisitions until the 
request of the Committee to the Honorable Secretary 
of War for sixty thousand additional rations be heard 
fi"om. 



Customhouse, September 21, 1878. 
'J'hc Committee met at the usual hour, 10 A. M.; 



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present, F. L. Richardson, Chairman; Messrs. Eoy, 
Mitchell, Ser^, Scherck, Hall and Brown. 

A limited number of applications for relief were 
acted upon. A communication from the Hon. Collector 
Smith, advising this Committee that the Honorable 
Secretary of War has granted an additional forty thou- 
sand rations, w&s received and placed on file, and the 
thanks of this Committee were expressed to the Secre- 
tary of War for his prompt response to the request of 
the Committee, and to the heads of the Federal Depart- 
ments of this city, for the interest manifested on behalf 
of our afflicted community. Said thanks were conveyed 
through the Chairman of the Committee. 

A telegram from the Hon, John Ray, offering this 
Committee the disinfectants used by the U. S. Army in 
this city in 1862 and 1863, free of charge, was referred 
to the Board of Health. 



Customhouse, SejHemher 28, 1878. 
The Committee met at 10 o'clock a. m., Major Rich- 
ardson in the chair; Col. Roy absent. The Committee 
took into consideration a number of applications for 
relief, and subsequently decided to receive no further 
applications until next Wednesday. A communication 
was addressed to the Howard Association to furnish 
this Committee with eleven hundred and thirty- three 
dollars (11133), to defray the expenses incurred and to 
be incurred by this Committee for labor, Avagon hire, 
stationery, etc. 
Expenses for four weeks were estimated for 

clerks, wagons, stationery, etc., at 1956 

Bills now due 350— $1306 

Cash on hand 173 

Amount asked for 



The thanks of the Committee were tendered to Mr. 
John Smith for his generous tender and nee of floats 
to haul Government rations to the Customhouse for 
yeHow fever sufferers, free of charge. Capt. Jaquet, 
commanding Battery "' G," Regiment Orleans Artillery, 
places one wagon, driver and four men of his company 
at the disposal of this Committee. 



Customhouse, September 2Jf., 1878. 
The Committee met at 10 o'clock a. m. The follow- 
ing copy of telegram from the Honorable Secretary of 
War, G. W. McCrary to Collector Smith, was received, 

to-wit: 

Washington, D. C, September 24, 1878. 
(jEO. L. Smith, Collector of Customs, New Orleans: 

I am informed that the Howard Association has a large surplus 
of casli, and that there is no pressing emergency to justify further 
issues of rations to the yellow fever sufferers in New Orleans. 
Last order suspended. 

GEO. W. McCRARY, 

Secretary of War. 

The Chtiirman of the Committee, Major Richardson, 
acknowledged the receipt of the following donation: 

St. Johns, iV. B., September 23, 1878. 
Frank L. Richardson, Chairman Central Relief Committee, N. O. : 
Draw at sight on me for one hundred and forty-two dollars, dona- 
tion to suflerers by yellow fever, from the band of tlie 62d Battalion 
Canadian Militia, St. .Johns, N. B. 

D. B. WARNER, U. S. Consul. 

Tlie donation v/as accepted and the thanks of the 
sufferers by yellow fever conveyed to the donors through 
this Conitnittee. 

'JMie Mutual lienevolent Relief Association tendered 
the Committee a wagon and driver for two weeks, to be 
used in the distribution of supplies. 

The Committee decided to issue no more supplies 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 17 



until tlie action of the Secretary of War is decided in 
regard to the issuing of the additional forty thousand 
rations. 



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Customhouse, September 25, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 a. m. , F. L. Richardson 
presiding, and Messrs. Sere, Brown, Mitchell, Scherck, 
and Wm. Wright, Esq., representing the G. A. R. in 
the absence of Col. Roy, who was sick. Major Richard- 
son submitted a statement in reference to the expenses 
of the Orleans Relief Committee, showing how much 
money was paid to each employee of the Committee, 
making a total of 1401. 

On motion of Mr. Ser6, the action of the Chairman 
of the Committee was approved and adopted. 

The Chairman made a suggestion in regard to the 
gentlemen who were detailed by the various societies 
to act as messengers or visitors, as to the manner in 
which they are to be paid. On motion, it was decided 
by the Committee that if they are entitled to compensa- 
tion the societies detailing them as visitors and mes- 
sengers to this Committee should pay them. 

Tlie Chairman submitted a list of outstanding bills 
amounting to 't480 70, which the Committee approved, 
and on motion, ordered to be paid, the Chairman stating 
that Messrs. Isaacson & Sims made a donation of 125 
off their bill. 

It was also suggested that the Chairman or some 
member of the Committee see the proprietors of the 
Democrat, to secure, if possible a reduction of their 
bill amounting to $105 75. 

Major F. L. Richardson moved that the presidents of 
the various organizations be invited to meet here on 



Saturday, for the purpose of receiving the report of the 
Committee in reference to the work done by the mem- 
bers not acted upon, whereupon Mr. Ser6 moved that 
when the Committee adjourn it adjourn to meet to- 
morrow at the usual hour. Adopted. 

Tlie following report from Isaac Scherck, Superin- 
tendent of Issues, was received and spread upon the 
minutes: 




To the Central Relief Committee : 

Dear Sirs — In accordance with the orders of the Secretary of 
War, conveyed to rn« through the proper channel, we stopped the 
is:=ne of rations so as to take stock of supplies on hand, so as to 
make a calculation of our assets and liabilities in money and supplies. 

After returning to Messrs. John I. Adams & Co. the unbroken 
packages received from them on loan, we will owe them, say about 

590 lbs. Eice at 6 cts $3") 40 

264 lbs. Coffee at 14.^ cts 38 30 

1100 lbs. Sugar at 7f cts 85 25 

66 lbs. Tea at 40 cts 26 40 

$185 35 
And have on hand for issue, estimated weight — 
2900 lbs. Bacon, equal to h lb. 5800 rations. 
4600 lbs. Meal, equal to fib. 6133 rations. 
2642 lbs. Flour, equal to 3522 rations. 
500 lbs. Sugar, equal to 5000 rations. 
Rice, equal to 1000 rations. 
Coffee, equal to 600 rations. 
Tea, equal to 1500 rations. 
Salt, equal to 28,000 rations. 
Against this we have unpaid bills for stationery, 
tags, bags, tea, etc., to Messrs. Isaacson Si Sims. ...$287 65 
Messrs. John I. Adams & Co 185 35— $473 00 

As the above named supplies, with t!ie exception of flour, uie.il, 
and some bacon, are already in packages for issue, it would cer- 
tainly be best that the supplies on hand l)e issued on the requisi- 
tions already approved, and the diffcrjut liabilities in supplies be 
paid for in money. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

ISAAC SCHERCK, S iperinten.lent of Issues. 




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Report of Orleans Central Belief Committee. 1 ! 



On motion, it was decided that the bill of John I. 
Adams & Co., for supplies loaned to the Orleans Relief 
Committee, be paid out of the funds on hand. Adopted. 
The Committee thereupon decided to issue the balance 
of the rations on the requisitions that have been ap- 
proved, and also to furnish the Orphan Asylums or 
Charitable Institutions with the surplus supply of arti- 
cles, if there should be any remaining after Thursday's 
issuing. 



Customhouse, September 26, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 a. m., P. L. Richardson 
presiding; present, Messrs. Scherck, Brown, Hall, Ser6 
and Wright. 

The following from the Mutual Benevolent Relief, 
No. 114 Carondelet street, was received and ordered 
spread upon the minutes : 

Mutual Benevolent Relief, II4 Carondelet Street, \ 
New Orleans, Saptember 23, 1878. j 
<). C. R. C, Gentletnen : 

The following preamble and resohitions were adopted at a meeting 
of the Executive Committee of the Mutual Benevolent Relief, held 
on this date : 

Whereas, Hon. Geo. L. Smith and the Orleans Central Relief 
Committee, in the discharge of their duties as custodians of the 
rations entrusted to them by the Honorable Secretary of War, for 
distribution among the yellow fever sufferers in the parish of Or- 
leans, have demonstrated that with the means and appliances at 
their command they have pursued a cdhimendable course, marked 
by wisdom, sagacity, promptness and impartiality ; and 

WherecLS, Our intercourse with the Orleans Central Relief Com- 
mittee has been uniformly pleasant and courteous ; 

Be it therefore resolved, That we tender the thanks and gratitude of 
this Committee and the people we represent to Hon. Geo. L. Smith 
and the gentlemen of the Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



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;v'0 Report of Ovlesms Central Relief Committee. 



That we tender, through these gentlemen, to the Hon. Geo. W. 
^IcCrary our appreciation for the public spirited manner he hnn 
responded to llie call of our suffering fellow-citizens. 

WM. G. BROWN, Ciiairnian. 

Geo. W. Bryant, Secretary. 

On motion, the Committee udjourned to meet on 
Friday evening, at 3 o'clock. 



Customhouse, September 27, 1878. 

The Orleans Eelief Committee met at 3 p. m., F. L. 
Iiichardson presiding, and the following members pres- 
ent: Messrs. Hall, Wriglit, Scherck, Mitchell, Sere and 
Brown. 

A communication forwarded to the Howard Associa- 
tion, asking them to pay certain necessary expenses 
incurred by this Committee, received the following 
reply: 

Office of the Howard Association, 58 Camp Street, } 
New Orleans, Se[)ten)her 26, 1878. / 
Frank L. Kichardson, Esq., 

Chairman Orleans Central Relief Committee : 
Dear Sir — Pursuant to a resolution passed at the meeting of this 
or^tanization, held this evening, I liave the pleasure to wait upon 
you with draft on our treasurer for fivo hundred dollars. 

Congratulating you on the marked success yuu liave made in your 
undertaking,. 

Witli assurance of higli regard and esteem, I urn, 
Yours very respectfully, 

F. R. SOUTHMAYD, Secretary. 

The report of the ifupcrintendent of li-sues. Major 
Isaac Scherck, was then read, as follows: 

New Orleans, September 27, 1S7S. 
To the Chairman and Members of the Orleans Central Relief 
Committee : 
Gentlemen — Witii this I beg leave to lav before vou a final and 



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detailed statement of tlie disposition of supplies received from the 
U. S. Government, through Hon. G. L. Smith, Collector of Customs 
at this Port : 

Received rations full U. S., except vinegar and beans, forty 
thousand; one chest of tea, GO lbs., exchanged with Messrs. Isaacson 
& vSims for empty barrels in good and bad order. 

Purchased by the Committee from John I. Adams & Co. : 
One hogshead of sugar ; 
Two sacks of coflee ; 
One chest of tea ; 
Two barrels rice ; 
as per invoice in the Committee's hands, and have issued against 
the same, the first and part of the second and third days,' about six 
thousand full U. S. rations, and after that, on the ration table 
adopted by the Committee, as follows : 

Flour or meal to the ration, | R). 

Bacon to the ration, ^ lb. 

Coffee, sugar, rice, tea, pepper and salt, full United States rations 
(except for a few [three] days, when these rations from the United 
States stores had not reached us), showing a net total issue of fifty 
thousand rations, as per detailed statement annexed, marked A : 

Orleans Central Relief Committee 18470 Rations. 

Young Men's Christian Association 8370 " 

Mutual Benevolent Relief. 6330 " 

Grand Army Republic 39-45 " 

St. Joseph's Conference, St. Vincent de Paul 2850 "J 

Relief to the Worthy 2300 " 

St. Mary's Orphan Asylum 1500 * 

American Benevolent and Mutual Aid Association... 1490 " 

German Relief Association 1430 " 

Touro Infirm:iry and Hebrew Benevolent 1075 " 

Orleans Artillery 1050 " 

Tiro al Bers:iglio 855 " 

St. Vincent de Paul 810 " 

Algier,? Relief Association 780 '' 

Odd Fellows' Aid Association 710 " 

Army of Tennessee 670 " 

Economy Hall A.ssociation 605 " 

Seventh Street Female Orphan Asylum 500 '' 



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Report of Orlenns Central Relief Committee. 




Firemen's Charitable Association 520 rations. 

German Men's Friendshijj 305 " 

American Union Club 275 "' 

Steam boatmen's Benevolent Association... 270 " 

Heart of Hearts 260 " 

Priest of Catholic Church, CarroUton 260 " 

Camp Street Female Orphan Asylum 250 " 

St. Vincent de Paul Orphan Asylum 275 " 

St. Alphonsus Orphan Asylum 200 " 

Mount Carmel Orphan Asylum 175 '' 

Ladies' Physiological Society 165 " 

Pike Benevolent Association 140 " 

Crescent Encampment 140 " 

St. Joseph's Conference, St. Vincent de Paul... 85 " 

Ladies of Charity, St. Joseph's Conference 70 " 

St. Theresa's Conference, St. Vincent de Paul 60 " 

German Kelief Association, CarroUton 45 " 

Mount Zion Conference 25 " 

Homoeopathic Kelief Association 25 " 

Methodist Episcopal Conference 15 " 

57,300 
Less rations returned (163 packages) 3260 " 

Total number rations issued. 54,040 " 

While waiting for the U. S. Government rations and not to delay 
the issues to the poor and distressed yellow fever su Hirers, we 
obtained a loan from Messrs. J. R. Kent & Co. of forty barrels of 
tiour and eleven tliousand pounds of bacon, which we returned 
them in kind, and from Messrs. John I. Adams & Co. a bill of 
groceries, from which we issued the articles enumerated in tiie 
report, and returned the balance. 

The new empty cotton and paper bags and one barrel of salt, we 
handed Messrs. Isaacson & Sims, as an offset for their bill against 
the Committee, for which we hold the proper receipt. The residue 
on hand, when we were exhausted as to general supplies, I have by 
your instructions, issued as follows: 

To Female Orphan Asylum, ( -amp and Prytania streets, forty-six 
paper packages of meal, say about four hundred rations. 

To St. Mary's Boys' (Orphan Asylum, two barrels meal and one 
l)ag salt, eiglit hundred and thirty-five rations sugar, eight hundred 
rations tea. 




To St. Vincent Orphan A.syluni, corner Race andMagazine, two 
barrels corn meal. 

Seventh and Constance Protestant Orphan Asylnm, two barrels 
mtal, lialf-barrel flour, one bag salt, eight hundred eighty-eight 
rations sugar, and nine hundred rations tea. 

In submitting this report to you, and at tlie same time severing 
my official connection, it afibrds me great satisfaction to testifv to 
your zealous and impartial attention to the wants of the unfortunate 
yellow fever sufferers, whose destitution came to your notice, and 
further to express my sincere thanks for the hearty co-operation of 
the gentlemen assisting me in all the various duties you imposed 
on me. 

I have the honor to be. 

Gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

ISAAC SCHEECK, 
Superintendent of Issues, O. C. R. C. 

On motion of Mr. D. L. Mitchell, a vote of thanks 
was adopted to Major Scherck for the very able manner 
in which he performed his duties as Superintendent of 
Issues. 

On motion, the Chairman was authorized to pay cer- 
tain amounts due employees for services rendered to the 
Committee. 

On motion, the following was ordered to be published 

in the papers: 

Office of the New Orleans Central Relief Committee, \ 
Customhouse, New Orleans, Sept. 27, 1878. ) 

The officers of the various benevolent societies of tlie city of 
New Orleans that originnted the Orleans Central Relief Committee 
for distribution of the forty thousand Government rations are 
requesied to meet at the Customhouse, at the rooms of the Com- 
mittee, at 11 o'clock on Monday morning, September 30th, to con- 
sider matters relative to the wants of their respective societies and 
the method of supply, and to receive the report of the Committee 
as to what has been done. 

It was moved and seconded that the Committee ad- 
journ until Monday at 10 o'clock. 



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Customhouse, September 30, 1878. 
The Orleans Central Relief Committee met at 10 
o'clock, pursuant to adjonrnment, F., L. Richardson 
presiding, and the following members present: Messrs. 
Hall, Scherck, Ser6, Wright, Mitchell and Brown. 

The report of the transactions of the Orleans Central 
Relief Committee prepared for the consideration of the 
officers of the various benevolent associations of the 
city of New Orleans was read, approved, and signed by 
the members of the Committee j^resent. No other busi- 
ness being before the Committee, they adjourned to 
meet the officers of the societies in accordance with the 
call published in the papers, to take place at 11 o'clock. 
Pursuant to a call of the Chairman of the Orleang 
Central Relief Committee, the presidents of the various 
charitable organizations met at che rooms of tlie Orleans 
Central Relief Committee in the Customhouse at 11 
o'clock this day for the purpose of considering matters 
relative t@ the wants of their respective societies, and 
the method of suiii)ly. and to receive the rei^ort of the 
Committee. 

The following gentlemen and ladies were present: 

Albert Baldwin, D. L. Mitchell, L. H. Gardner, Young Men's 
Christian Association. 

.James Beggs, Society " Relief to the Wortliy." 

F. L. Richardson, J. A. Chalaron, Army of Tennessee. 

Jacob Hassinger, German Relief Association. 

Leo Blessing, German Men's B. A. 

I. N. Marks, Firemen's Cliaritable Association. 

Victor Sere, of St. Augustine Conference, St. Vincent de Paul. 

W. G. Brown, Mutual Benevolent Association. 

Wm. Wright, Grand Army Republic. 

Robert Williard, Economy Hall R. A. 

Thos. H. Jones, Good Templars. 

Mrs. Mary Heatherton, Mrs. M. A. Tripler, La'lies' Physiological 
Society. 



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Jiisto a. Leon, Society " Union of Spain. " 
M. Abarcial, Algiers Relief Society. 
W. H. Moody, Odd Fellows' Aid Society. 
; A. C. Merkel, T. A. Bartlett,F. Charleville, American Mutnal Aid. 
J. T. Kendall, Yonng Men's Benevolent Association. 
E. J. Knrsheedt, Touro Infirmary and H. B. Association. 
J. Blackstone, Mount Zion Conference. 
Isaac Sclierck, Esq. 
G. L. Hall, Esq. 
Benj. J. Knott, Esq. 
G. L. Smith, Esq., Collector of Customs. 

Chairman Richardson called the meeting to order. 
Mr. D. L. Mitchell was apjioiiited Secretary of the 
meeting, whereon the Chairman read the following 

report: 

Office of the Orleans Central Relief Committee, \^ 
Customhouse, New Orleans, September 30, 1878. j 
To the Charitable Associations of New Orleans, represented by this 
Committee : 

Gentlemen — The object of the appointment of this Committee 
having been accomplished, we respectfully submit to you the follow- 
ing report. 

On the sixtii day of the present month, this Committee met at 
the office of the Collector of Customs ; the members present were 
D. L. Mitchell, of the Young Men's Christian Association ; William 
Roy, Grand Army of the Republic ; W. G. Brown, Mutual Benevo- 
lent Association ; Victor Sere, of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 
and F. L. Richardson, of the Army of Tennessee. 

The Committee elected F. L. Richardson President, and D. L. 
Mitchell Secretary. It was resolved to proceed at once to the busi- 
ness of issuing the forty thousand rations donated by the Govern- 
ment to the yellow fever sufferers. 

Major Isaac Scherck was invited to open the necessary books and 
direct the detail of issuing the supplies. A full statement of the 
proceedings of this Committee will be found in minutes kept by our 
Secretary, which is herewith submitted. 

Major Isaac Scherck kindly accepted the position of Superintend- 
ent of the Issuing Department, and was made an ex-officio member 
of this Committee. 



G. L. Hall, Esq., was also elected a member of the Commit;ee to 
fill the vacancy created b_v the non-acceptance of Mr. Dolhonde. 

It was determined that under the instructions of the Secretary of 
War to the Collector of the Port the supplies could only be issued to 
tho-e persons having; yellow fever in their families and who were 
destitute. Thi^ resolution prevented us from relieving many. To 
guard against impositions we required the persons applying for re- 
lief to produce doctor's certificates showing yellow fever, and 
detailed statements of reliable persons that the parties were destitute. 
As an additional safeguard, we caused gentlemen selected from 
your different associations to visit the houses of the applicants in 
the wagons in which the supplies were sent to their homes. 

We did not allow a single ration to be delivered at the store- 
room to the applicant, but distributed them thiou'.rhout the city, in 
wagons borrowed for that purpose from tlie generous grocers, mer- 
chants and others. We found that the merchants very readily 
responded to our call. In addition to these, we hired three wagons 
for the purpose. This mode of distributing prevented crowds at 
our doors, and at the same time enabled us to personally inspect the 
residences of the applicants for relief. By this mode, also, we were 
able to supply many deserving and destitute sick persons without 
compelling them to undergo the humiliation of standing all day 
with their baskets at our doors and displaying tlieir poverty. The 
reports brought back by our visiting committees accompanying the 
wagons were harrowing in tlie extreme. They encountered gaunt 
poverty and dread pestilence at the threshold. Mothers told them 
how tliey had sold all they had for bread — how sickness and death 
liad taken from them their support, or how all work had been stop- 
ped, and to famine Avas added pestilence. This distress was not 
confined alone to the laboring classes, but it extended to the families 
of clerks, of professional men and property liolders. Your chair- 
man visited the house of a widow- found her in need of the neces- 
sities of life, and sick. She was the owner of property, but her 
tenants were to poor to pay; she could not mortgage or sell, and 
could only cry for help. It was our pleasure to a(>])ly the bounty of 
the Government to cases like these, and t()slinw them tliat the great 
Republic in which tiiey lived, of which tiny heard only in connec- 
tion with war, law-making, and taxation, coidd turn from the great 
([uestions of State, and come to the donr i>f :n\ unh ipjiy people, cros.^ 



^ 





their thresholds and with the hand that had been wont to clas}) tlie 
sword sustain the falling victims of famine and pestilence. 

We did not go to ihose houses one moment too soon. Said some 
of the visitors: "Let no man, hereafter, say this bounty was ill- 
bestowed." If the testimony of true men can he believed it was 
not. The ten thousand thai received it will add their testimony to 
it. It is true that amc.ng so many supplied, some impositions were 
practiced, notwithstanding all our care. There were about one 
hundred packages brought back by the visitors with the wagons, 
tlie panics having been found not entitled to them. 

The names of the parties relieved appear in alphabetical order in 
our books, which accompany this report. In a moment's time any 
name can be fotmd on them, his residence and the amounts re- 
ceived. The receipt books kept by the visitors show the signatures 
of the recipients. Should it be desired to ascertain who were 
relieved and on whose application, the alphabetical index shows the 
time of a[;plieation, the page of the book containing the name of 
the association or member of the committee making the requisition, 
the residence, the daie of delivery, or the return of tlie package. 

The excellent report of our Chief Commissary, accompanying 
our report, shows tlie amount of relief afforded to thirty-eight 
charitable associations represented by this committee. There has 
been no complaint made that the distribution has not been fair and 
impartial. The size of a Government ration was for a time reduced 
so as to relieve a greater number ; this swelled the number of forty 
thousand rations to fifty-seven thousand three hundred. Tliere was 
a small amount remaining on hand after closing our work. This 
was divided among the difierent orphan asylums of the city. We 
were indebted to Messrs. John I. Adams & Co., for supplies bor- 
rowed of tl.em in anticipation of a second installment from the 
Government. This amount, $168 35, we have paid for. 

The system of distribution adopted by us necessarily involved 
some expense ; this, exclusive of the above sum paid for supplies, 
amounted to $800. To meet these expenses the Howard Associa- 
tion kindly waited upon us with $750. We also received through 
Col. Geo. L. Smith, Collector of the Port, from Wm. P. West, of 
Halifax, Nova Scotia, $200, and from the band of the 62d Battallion 
Canadian Volunteers, of St. Johns, N. B., the sum of $142, making 
a total of $1192 received. A full account of the receipts and dis- 
bursements will be found in the financial report filed herewith. 



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We desire in this re[ ort to mention the kindly and courteous 
manner in which we liave been met by Collector Geo. L. Smith. 
From the beginning he has evinced a desire to aid us in the distri- 
bution. He was, besides, most untiring in his efforts to induce the 
Government to again extend its aid to the yellow fever sufferers of 
this city. We are also indebted to the merchants who kindly loaned 
us supplii's until tliose of the Government arrived, and to those who 
loaned us their wagons at much inconvenience to themselves. 

Finally, it is with regret that we allude to the fact that we have 
a large number of applications for relief now lying upon our table, 
to which we are powerless to respond, lor our sTipplies are exhausted. 
We trust that their cries will be heeded by other associations who 
(•till have the wherewithal to I)estow. 
Resjiectfully submitted, 

FRANK L. RICHARDSON, President, 

G. L. HALL, 

D. L. MITCHELL, 

WM. G. BROWN, 

VICTOR SERE, 

WM. WRIGHT. 

The report of the Orleans Eelief Committee was 
adopted. 

Remarks on the existing condition of affairs were 
made by Col. Wright, F. Charleville, B. J. Knott, Hon. 
Geo. L. Smith and Thomas 11. Jones, Esq., followed by 
Major G. L. Hall, who exjilained the programme of the 
St. Lonis Relief Boat. 

The following preamble and resolntions were adopted 
unanimously. 

That in view of the constant and increasing suffering and desti- 
tution among the people of New^Orleaiis from yellow fever, and in 
view of the fiict that through representations abroad creating the 
l)elief that there are enough funds in the hands of existing associa- 
tions, the Honorable Secretary of War has been induced to suspend 
his order for a second i.ssue of forty thousand rations for the yellow 
fever afflicted, which order was issued on a united and trntliful 
apjieal from the Orleans Central Relief Coinniittee, endorsed by a 



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largen umber of charitable associations, fully and correctly informed 
on the STibject, and recommended by the heads of the Federal 
departments here : be it 

Ilesolve<l, That the Howard Association be called ni)on by a com- 
mittee of five, appointed at this meeting by the President, asking 
them to supply funds necessary for the continuance of this Commit- 
tee ; that, failing in this, a final appeal be made to the Secretary of 
War, asking him to order the transfer of forty thousand rations, 
now held in abeyance, to the Collector of this Port for distribution 
by the Orleans Central Kelief Committee. 

That, failing in this, the Committee is authorized to appeal to the 
public at large for contributions to aid us, and that the several pre- 
sidents now present make a written statement of the condition of 
their respective bodies to-day. 

The President ajipointed the following gentlemen to serve on the 
committee to wait upon the Howards : 

1. N. MAEKS, Chairman, 
L. H. GAKDNER, 
WM. WRIGHT, 
JACOB HASSINGER, 
WM. G. BROWX. 

On motion, Albert Baldwin, Esq., was elected Treas- 
urer of tlie Committee. 

It was also resolved that the Orleans Central Relief 
Committee jae constituted a 'permanent, established 
Committee, and that it continue its work of relief. 

After which the meeting adjourned, subject to the 
call of the President. 



Customhouse, Octoler 7, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 'A. m., Major F. L. Richard- 
son, President, in the chair, and the following members 
present: Messrs. Sere, Wright and Brown. 

The resignation of Mr. D. L. Mitchell, Secretary of 
the Committee, was read, and, on motion, accepted. 



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The name of Isaac N". Marks was then placed before 
the Committee to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Mitch- 
ell's resignation, and he was unanimously elected, and 
the Secretary was thereupon ordered to notify him of his 
election. 

The President received the following communication 
from Hon. E. Pilsbury, Mayor: 

Mayoralty of Netv Orleans, Neic Orleans, Oct. 5, 1S7S. 
Frank L. Richardson, Esq., 

Chairman Orleans Central Relief Committee : 
Sir — I am directed by his Honor, the Mayor, to inclose to you, 
for disbursement by Orleans Relief Committee, his sight check on 
Wm. Cross, Treasurer, Worcester,' Mass., through Worcester National 
Bank, for one thousand dollars, as advised by telegram of this date. 
Have the same acknowledged through the city papers, as follows: 
" From Wm. Cross, Treasurer, through Worcester National Bank, 
through Hon. Chas B. Pratt, Mayor, through Hon. Edward Pils- 
bury, Mayor." 

Very respectfully, E. L. BOWER, Chief Clerk. 

The President stated that the amount was deposited 
with Albert Baldwin, Treasurer of the Committee, who 
was also elected ex-officio membei' of the Committee. 

The President presented to the Committee two bills, 
one for telegraphing, and the bill of the N. 0. Times 
for advertising, the amounts being respectively and 
which had been paid by him. On motion, 
the action of the President was approved in reference 
to the pa^fnent of the items. 

A communication from Messrs, Boyle, Goldin, and 
Sharkey, recommending certain persons for employ- 
ment, was referred to Isaac Scherck, Superintendent of 
Issues. 

The Committee decided that in issuing rations, they 
would issue ten days' rations at a time instead of five 
days, and that the orders of issuance be made in the 



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shape of cards or tickets, to be arranged by the Com- 
missary. 

It was also suggested that the Committee employ six 
wagons, at a compensation of not more tlian three dol- 
lars per day. and that they be required to be employed 
daily from 8 a. m. until 6 p. m. 

The Committee desired also that the various benevo- 
lent and charitable associations be required to furnish a 
list of members, the total number of destitute requir- 
ing assistance from this Committee, the address of the 
officers, and other matters appertaining to relief ; and 
that no requisitions for supplies be honored until tlie 
instructions of the committee be complied with. 



Customhouse, October 8, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10:30 a. m.. Major F. L. 
Richardson presiding, and Messrs. Marks, Wright, 
Bruwn, Sere and Scherck present, 

The minutes were read and a^Dproved. 

Hon. Albert Voorhies was unanimously elected a 
member of the Committee, and took his seat in the 
Committee room. 

Mr. Scherck offered a resolution that the Committee 
be increased to ten members, the vacancies occurring to 
be filled be the Committee. Adopted. 

Mr. Scherck made several suggestions in reference to 
the number of rations to be issued in one day. After 
some discussion on the subject, the Committee decided, 
on a motion of Mr. Marks, that the maximum figures 
be six thousand rations per day. 

Mr. Scherck submitted a standard of the size of each 
ration of the different articles as follows, which was 
adopted by the Committee: 



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Bacon or salt meat to the ration I pound. 

Flour, meal or Crackers to the ration | pound. 

Grits or Hominy to the ration ] pound. 

Rice to the ration 2 ounces. 

("ofTee to the ration 1? ounces. 

Tea to the ration I- ounce. 

Sugar to the ration ,• 3 ounces. 

Children and sick persons half rations. 

The following regulations for the government of the 
employes of the Orleans Eelief Committee were sub- 
mitted to the Committee by Mr. Scherek: 

All employes are under the order of the Superintendent. 

Each employe is expected to perform eight hours work, com- 
mencing 8J A. M. and until 05 p. m., allowing J hour for lunch ; this 
half hour to be between the hours of 12 and 1 p. M.. at tlie conveni- 
ence of the work on hand, and by the orders of the Superintendent 
or the authorized deputy under him. Absence without permission 
will be caused for immediate dismissal. 

Employes are not allowed to bring licpiors of any kind on the 
premises. 

Xone but employes are allowed in the office or issuing room. 

All employes are subject to immediate discharge for cause, no 
matter whether employed by the day or week ; and in that case 
will only be ^jaid for the time of actual work done, tlieir time being- 
calculated for the portion of the day's work done. 

Time rolls will be kept by the proper officer, and each employe 
will report when going to and leaving work. 

The Time-Keeper will call on and off work, and no one is ex- 
pected to leave until work is called off. 

The Secretary will attend to all correspondence and writing of 
the Committee, and have general supervision of the Committee. 

The Requisition (Jlerk will attend to all tlie entries and filling of 
requisitions. 

The Book-Keeper will enter all requisitions and post all issues. 

The Issue Clerk will receipt for all properties, and attend to tlie 
weighing and filling out of rations on requisitions furnished him, 
approved by the Superintendent, and have immediate charge of the 
assistants and laborers under him. He is expected to report at 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 33 




once any dereliction of duty on the part of any emjjloye of the Issu- 
ing Department. 

The Shipping Clerk will attend to all delivery of rations to mes- 
sengers, make out dray receipts, and will be held responsible for 
every package issued ; see to its safe delivery on return to office, 
and make proper entry of same. The Delivery Clerk, as well as all 
Visitors, will be under his control. 

The Delivery Clerk will attend to the delivery of each package 
to messengers and wagons, and see that each package is properly 
labelled and compared with dray receipts and manifest furnished 
to Visitors. 

Visitors will go with every wagon ; be held responsible for each 
package ; on return make the entries on Visitors' book and report to 
Shipping Clerk both when starting and returning ; if returning aftej- 
hours, the first thing the next morning. Visitors are expected to 
investigate all cases and make their full report in the Visitors 
book. No Visitor allowed to leave the wagon until every package 
is either delivered or returned. He must investigate every case in 
person, and cannot deputize any one to do any work for him except 
by special permission of the Superintendent. 

Wagons employed are expected to deliver at least fifty packages 
per day. 

The regulations governing the employes were ap- 
proved by the Committee, and ordered to be posted in 
the Committee rooms. 

The following communication was read: 

New Orleans, October 7, 1878. 
Treasurer Orleans Relief Committee, city : 

Under instructions from J. Pierpont Morgan, Esq., Treasurer 
Southern Relief Committee, New York Chamber of Commerce, I 
have much pleasure in handing you herewith my check on the 
Louisiana National Bank for $2500, to be expended fur provisions 
for the poor. Kindly acknowledge receipt of same. 

Yours respectfully, W- F. HALSEY, 

per pro Chas. T. HoflTman. 

The President authorized the Secretary to acknowl- 
edge the receipt of the generous donation, and stated 





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34 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

that the check was deposited with the Treasurer of the 
Committee, Albert Baldwin. 

A. 0. Boyle was designated as the Secretary of the 
Committee. 

The following communication was read: 

Custmnhouse, Neiv Orleans, Collector's Office, \ 
October 8th, 1878. i 

Major F. L. Richardson Chairman O. C. R. C. : 

Major— In the worlvings of your committee I siiould be pleased to 
honor requisitions for such stationery as yon may find necessary to 
aid in the performance of your duty. 

Very respectfully^ GEO. L. SMITH, Collector. 

The offer of the Collector to furnish the Committee 
with stationery was accepted, the Committee returning 
thanks for the many courtesies extended to them. 

In the matter of issuing requisitions to the various 
benevolent and charitable associations composing the 
Orleans Central Relief Committee, the members of the 
Committee decided that the following table or statement 
should be the maximum figures: 

Irish Rifles lo requisitions each day. 

Steam boatmen's Association... 50 " " 

Mutual Benevolent Relief. 25 " " 

Relief to the Worthy 5 " " 

Ladies' Physiological Aid Society 5 " " 

Homceopathic Society 15 " " 

Army of Tennessee 20 " " 

German Relief Association 20 " " 

Grand Army of the Republic 25 " '' 

American Benevolent and Mutual Aid... 10 " " 

Ladies of Charity, St. Joseph 5 " " 

Firemen's Charitable Association 75 " " 

St. Michael's Conference. 10 " " 

St. John's Conference. 10 " " 

Crescent Encampment 5 " " 

St. Alphonsus Conference 10 " " 




A/y 







Algiers Relief Association 15 requisitions each day. 

American Union Club 5 *' " 

Young Men's Christian Association 100 " " 

Italian Relief Society 10 " '• 

Economy Hall Association 5 " " 

St. Mary's Conference 10 " " 

Hartford Benevolent Association 5 " " 

Priests of Catholic Church, CarroUton.... 10 " " 

Union Francaise 3 " " 

Heart of Hearts , 3 " " 

German Friendship Association 15 " " 

St. Theresa's Conference 10 " " 

Union Benevolent Relief 5 " " 

Mount Zion Benevolent Association 4 " " 

Odd Fellows' Aid Association 5 " " 

St. Peter's Conference 10 " " 

German Men's Benevolent Association... 5 " " 

Orleans Artillery , 10 " " 

St. Patrick's Conference 10 " " 

St. George's Society 10 " " 

St. Augustine's Conference 10 " " 

Veterans Mexican War 25 " " 

St. Anne's Conference 10 " " 

Collector of Customs 5 " " 

Postmaster 5 " " 

Members O. C. R. C, each 10 90 " " 

"Francs Amis" 5 " " 

Union of Spain 10 " " 

Annunciation Conference 10 " " 

The Committee decided that no requisitions wonld be 
issued or honored for more than five full rations, and 
that three days' requisitions would be delivered twice a 
week to the representatives of the various benevolent 
associations mentioned in the statement. 

On motion of Mr. Scherck, the committee authorized 
the purchasing of the necessary supply of rations, for 
the purpose of issuing at once on the requisitions fur- 
nished the various associations represented upon the 
books of the Committee. 




^o/- 



30 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

The Commissary, or Superintendent of Issues, was 
authorized to carefully examine and approve all bills for 
payment on the Treasurer, to be countersigned by the 
President. 




Customhouse, Odoher 9, 1878. 

The Committee met at 10 a. m., Major F, L. Eichard- 
son presiding, and the following gentlemen present: 
Messrs. Baldwin, Brown, Sere, Scherck, Marks, Wright 
and Voorhies. 

The reading of the minutes was post})oned. 

The following dispatch was read by the President: 

Brownsville, Texas, October S, 1S7S. 
Pres. or Disbursing Officer Orleans Relief Com., N. O. 

I send by telegraph, for relief of yellow fever sufi'erers, one hun- 
dred dollars, proceeds of children's entertainment for that purpose. 
MISS M. C BUTLER, Preceptress. 

The donation was gratefully accepted, and ordered to 
be suitably acknowledged. 

The following is a copy of a communication furnished 
the Committee by Hon. G. L. Smitli, Collector: 

Office General Freight Agent C, St. L- & N. 0. R. B. Co., \ 
New Orleans, October 8, 1878. / 
Dear Sir —I beg to advise you that the rations consigned to you at 
this poinf, and donated by the United States Government for the 
benefit of the sufferers at this point, are being loaded in Cliicago to- 
day Any information which I may receive, in connection with the 
further movement of the rations, I will very gladly and promptly 
furnisli to you. 

Respectfully, J. B. MOREY. 

The communication was received and filed. 
A communication from the Mechanics' and Laborers' 
Union was received and read. 
A postal card addressed to the Is'ew Orleans Relief 



K^ 



■^^ 




^ 



Committee, from J. W. McLean, 44 State st., Chicago, 
asking information regarding one Alex. Elder, was 
ordered furnished to the press of the city. 
The President presented the following : 

Tlie different Italian societies, com()osed of the Mutual Italian 
Society, Hospital Congregation, Dante and Tiro al Bersaglio, at 
their last meeting, held on thi; 25th of September, appointed me as 
their Chairman. I therefore would ask, as I represent the whole 
Italian population, at least ten requisitions daily. 

JOHN ASTREDO, 
Chairman Italian Kelief Society. 

The request of Mr. Astredo was thereupon granted 
by the Committee. 

It was moved and adopted that the President be 
empowered to have the appeal of the Committee, issued 
October 2d, published in pamphlet form, and copies 
furnished the mayors of the different cities throughout 
the country. The Committee also decided to have the 
same appeal published in the city press, together with 
the names of all parties representing the different or- 
ganizations, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

The President having stated that the Western Union 
Telegraph Company charged nothing for the telegraph- 
ing of the Committee, Mr. Marks moved to telegraph 
to the Mayors of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, 
Chicago, Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis. Adopted. 

The Committee authorized the purchasing of eighteen 
hundred rations, awaiting the arrival of tlic Govern- 
ment supplies. 

Mr. Scherck submitted a list of the employes and 
wagons that had been engaged, and tlie probable cost 
per week of the same to the Committee. On motion, 
the same was approved. 



■^^ 



V-A 



IJ 




Customhouse, October 10, 1878. 

Meeting called to order at 10 a. m. , F. L. Richardson 
})residing; present, Messrs. Baldwin, Brown, Scherck, 
Sere, Marks, Voorhies, and Wright. 

Reading of minutes was ordered for Saturday only. 

Mr. Scherck gave very good reasons why the number 
of rations should be cut down from one thousand to 
two hundred per day. Adopted, The Committee de- 
cided not to disturb the quantity allowed to the associa- 
tions represented by the Committee. 

On motion, the Committee decided to issue no new 
requisitions to the same society or organization until 
further notice. 

Mr, Scherck submitted the following as the order of 
business: 1, Reading of Minutes; 2, Reports of Com- 
mittee ; 3, Communications ; 4, New Business, and 
Applications for Relief ; 5, Resolutions; 6, Adjourn- 
ment, Adopted. 

A communication by postal card was received from 
P. J. Potter, Esq., of the firm of Potter, Vivian & Co., 
Bowling G-reen, Ky., donating eleven barrels best flour 
for the relief of yellow fever sufferers, which was 
acknowledged by the committee. 

Several communications from various asylums, etc., 
])raying for relief, were deferred until Monday. 

A communication from Union Benevolent Relief was, 
on motion, received, and Secretary notified to reply. 

A communication was received from the society 
known as "Francs Amis," asking aid for their desti- 
l lite. On motion, the relief asked for was granted, five 
I'cquisitions daily being allowed. 

*' Union of Spain," a Spanish society was granted the 
relief asked for, ten requisitions being allowed them 
dailv. 



,^ 







Seven Wise Men also praying for relief, five requisi- 
tions daily was granted. 

Many applications for relief were then read, and, on 
motion, the requisitions were ordered to be made out 
and investigated. 

Mr. Marks moved that the Committee meet at 7 p. m. 
instead of 10 a. m. Carried. 

Mr. Scherck presented a statement of purchases made 
by order of the Committee. 



CusTOMHOU.SE, Octoher 11, 1878. 

The Committee met at 7 p. m., F. L. Richardson 
presiding, and Messrs. Marks, Wright, Sere, Scherck, 
and Voorhies, present. 

The following donations received and acknowledged: 
From J. 0. Emerson, Brockton, Mass., through H. &N. 
Samory, S50; Julius G. Tucker, Brownsville, Texas, 
$164; from H. L. Pierce, Mayor of Boston, through 
Gen. F. N". Ogden, Vice President Howards, $1000. 

E. Lilienthal furnished a clock for the use of the 
Orleans Relief Committee. 

Action on communications from the Pike Benevolent 
Association, Orleans Artillery, W. 0. Rogers, Esq., 
Howard Association of Lafourche, was deferred by the 
Committee until Monday. 

A communication from Hon. Geo. L. Smith, enclosing 
check from Julius Tncker (above mentioned), was re- 
ceived and filed. 

The Committee on Asylums, appointed at a previous 
meeting Messrs. Sere, Voorhies, and Brown, reported 
progress. 

Mr. Scherck, Commissary and Superintendent, sub- 
mitted a statement of the expenses actually necessary, 





y». 



,./ 



LT 




3^ 



Report of Orleans Centml Relief Committee. 



including supplies, stationery, wagons, employes, etc., 
was, on motion, receired, and the action of the Superin- 
tendent endorsed and approved. 

Numerous applications for relief were examined by 
the Committee, and ordered to be investigated. 

The Committee decided that hereafter no employ^ 
should make applications for relief for others, or 
recommend any person. 

Forty requisitions per day were allowed for the use 
of the Committee until further notice. Adopted. 

On motion, the Secretary was authorized to sign 
requisitions on the part of the Committee. 




.\ 



Customhouse, October lU, 1878. 

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment, Major 
F. L. Eichardson presiding, and Messrs. Baldwin, 
Marks, Ser^, and Wright, present. 

On motion of Albert Baldwin, Esq., Mr. Jesse K. Bell 
was unanimously elected a member of the Committee, 
and was present at the meeting. 

Donation of H. L. Jacques received and acknowl- 
edged. Donations received through Mayor Pilsbury 
were acknowledged; also from R. W. Campbell, Esq., 
Bryan, Texas. 

A communication from Geo. S. Petit, Secretary 
Steamboatmen's Association, was read and referred to 
Mr. I. Scherck for information. 

T. H. Draper, presented a communication asking the 
reason why rations were not sent him, stating that he 
was sick, had a large family, and very destitute. The 
Committee granted the rations asked for. 
* T. M. Sinclair, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, transmitted a 
communication, in which he denied that he ever author- 



■\r 




>/>i 



/Z. 

' V 

y|"r Report 0/ Orleans Central Relief Committee. 41 

ized Mr. Galpin or any one else to donate a car load of 
pork products or anything else to the Committee. 

A communication from H. B. Meyers asking for more 
compensation for the services he performed, was read, 
and on motion of Mr. Baldwin the services of Mr. 
Meyers were dispensed with. 

Communications from the Italian Relief Association, 
Mutual Benevolent Relief, Pike Benevolent Association, 
and J. M. Putnam, of Bay St. Louis, were read, and, 
on motion, the communication of the latter was referred 
to the Howards for action. 

Communications from D. H. Buckley, Esq., in hehalf 
of St. Alphonsus Asylum, and from the Little Sisters 
of the Poor, and the Church of the Immaculate Con- 
ception, were referred to the Committee on Asylums. 

A communication from the Orleans Artillery was read 
and filed. 

Application for relief from Father Foote, in behalf of 
his parish (St. John's), was referred to St. John's Con- 
ference. 

Application of Father Bogaerts in behalf of German 
Relief Society of the Sixth District, was read and filed. 

An application for relief from the Howard Associa- 
tion of Lafourche, transmitted to the Committee by Col. 
James Lewis, was read, and the Secretary was ordered 
to notify them to apply to the Howard Association of 
this city for the desired relief. Similar disposition was 
made of the application of the HoAvard Association of 
St. Bernard. 




CusTOMnousE, October 15, 1878. 
Committee met at 7:30 p. m.. Major F. L. Richardson 
presiding, and Messrs, Baldwin, Sere, Marks, and 
K Wright, present. a 



6 



^ I 



The reading of the minutes was dispensed with. 

Julius Meyer made a donation of five thousand paper 
tags. 

Mr. 8er^, of the Committee on Asyhims, stated that 
as yet tlie report of the Committee was not completed. 

Mr. Baldwin moved that furtlier time he granted-. 
Adopted. 

A report of the numher of rations issued to date Avas 
submitted. 

A communication from Mrs. VVm. Conway was read, 
tlie Committee being unable to furnish the desired 
assistance. 

A communication from the society known as the 
Friends of Order was read and submitted to Col. J. B. 
Ludwig for examination. 

The Committee decided to receive no more personal 
applications for relief at the door, and that all applicants 
be referred to the presidents of the various associations 
represented on the books of this Committee. 

Mr. Wright called for the reading of the communica- 
tion from J. M. Putnam, of Bay St. Louis, Miss., and 
stated that the applicants were citizens of New Orleans, 
and worthy of our helj). Communication read. ^fr. I. 
N. Marks donated eighteen requisitions, Wm. Wright 
six requisitions, Albert Baldwin three, Victor Ser6 three, 
and F. L. Richardson three; in all thirty-three requisi- 
tions were ordered to be filled out for the relief of the 
applicants at Bay St. Louis. 

Albert Baldwin moved to admit all the Protestant 
societies as being entitled to relief on the same basis as 
that of the Catliolics. wliich was unanimously ad(»pted; 
and, on motion, Mr. Baldwin, as the representative of 
said associations, was furnished with one hundred and 
twenty-five requisitions. 



,^ 



^ 




y". 



n" 



Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 43 



Gen. A. S. Badger was invited within the Committee 
room. He presented a written statement to the effect 
that eighty families, whose names, residences and con- 
dition were furnished him by the letter-carriers in his 
employ, were in great distress and want, and had not 
received assistance from any source. The Committee 
decided to furnish Gen. Badger with ten requisitions 
daily until the families named in the statement were 
relieved. Gen. Badger thanked the Committee for their 
courtesy to him and their consideration for the suffering 
people of our city, and withdrew. 

On motion, the Committee decided to meet every 
other niffht. 




Customhouse, Octoher 17, 1878. 

The Committee met at 7 p. m., F. L. Richardson in 
the chair, and A. Baldwin, Wm. Wright, V. Ser6, and 
I. Scherck, present. 

A. 0. Boyle, Secretary, having sickness in his family, 
Thad. Waterman was appointed to act in his stead as 
Secretary. 

Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was 
dispensed with. 

Report of I. Scherck, Superintendent, was called for. 
Owing to sickness in his family he was unable to furnish 
a detailed report, but would do so at the meeting to take 
place on the 19th of October, 1878. 

By unanimous resolution, only those requisitions in 
the hands of the different associations would be honored 
till furtlier notice. 

The report of Mr. Sere, Chairman of Visiting Com- 
mittee to Asylums, was presented and accepted. 

Mr. Ser6 moved that he be permitted to issue his 






:^J 



44 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

requisitions to the various asylums under his charge, 
and known as the " Catliolic Asylums," to be acted 
upon, filled and charged to the Orleans Central Relief 
Committee. Being duly seconded, the motion was 
unanimously adopted. 

The Chairman announcing that the supplies would be 
exhausted in a few days, the Committee decided that 
no further application be made to the Secretary of War 
for rations, but to continue to issue the stock on hand 
till distributed. 

Mr. Scherck moved that ten cents per ration be 
allowed to the asylums, in lieu of issuing rations, 
which, being accepted by Mr. Ser4, representing the 
Catholic Asylums, and being" duly seconded, was unan- 
imously adopted. 

The Protestant Asylums, represented by Mr. Bald- 
win, were allowed the same privileges as those granted 
to Mr. Sere. 

The Chairman read a communication from Mr. Lin- 
coln in relation to the Asylum of the Immaculate Con- 
ception. Mr. Wright moved that it be referred to Mr. 
Sere, to report on same next Tuesday; being seconded, 
was adopted. 

Mr. Scherck handed in duplicate requisitions which 
had been canceled. 

The Chairman called the attention of the Committee 
to a communication from the Young Men's Mechanics* 
Labor Aid Association. It was resolved, in answer 
thereto, that their application having been presented at 
so late a date the Committee could not afford the relief 
sought for. Adopted. 

Mr. Baldwin moved that Mr. Scr6 take receipts from 
tlie various asylums for whom he received checks, and 
hand them to the Commissary as vouchers, in lieu of 



T^ 



P} 



^ 



—4L 




^^ 

Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 45 



the rations, as provided for in the foregoing resolution; 
being seconded, it was unanimously adopted. 

By unanimous consent, Mr. J. Hassinger was elected 
a member of this Committee, and the acting Secretary 
was directed to inform him thereof. 



Customhouse^ October 19, 1878. 

Pursuant to adjournment on 17th inst., the Commit- 
tee met at 7 p. m., F. L. Eichardson, Chairman, in the 
chair, Messrs. Sere, Voorhies, Baldwin, Wright, Brown 
and Scherck, being also present. Minutes of the 17tli 
inst., were read and approved. 

Mr. Scherck having explained to the Committee the 
object of paying ten cents cash to the asylums in lieu 
of rations, it was the sense of this Committee that onlv 
the requisitions issued to the asylums are to be paid 
in cash. Being seconded, the motion was adopted. 

Mr, Scherck stated to the Committee that since the 7th 
inst. one thousand and four rations had been distributed, 
and that $7000 had been received. He also gave a 
detailed statement of the issuance of rations daily to 
the different associations since October 7th to date. 
The Commissary's report being duly presented, was 
unanimously adopted. 

Mr. Scherck stated that this association and the 
Peabody Association had, within the past two weeks, 
issued rations to about forty-six thousand persons, and 
advocated a suspension of further blank requisitions 
until those on hand are filled. 

The employes' petition was presented, asking that 
they be permitted to draw rations. Mr. Scherck moved 
that it be received, so that he might make some remarks 
as to the advisability of not adopting it, and particu- 



^^;s: 





v^ l i 

46 Report of Orleans Ceiitra,l Relief Committee. 



larly objecting to rations being regarded as part of the 
contract for their services. He suggested that they be 
allowed to apply for rations as other applicants do, 
which will have the attention of the Committee after 
those requisitions now on hand are filled. 

A communication from J. W. Putnam, President 
Relief Association of Bay St. Louis, was received and 
read, acknowledging receipt of rations sent by this 
Committee in aid of destitute persons at Bay St. Louis. 

Mr. Ludwig, visitor, reported favorably upon the 
application of the Association Amis de I'Ordre, who 
applied to the Committee for rations to relieve their 
members. 

Moved by Mr. Brown, that two hundred dollars be 
appropriated to buy rations of such articles as may be 
short, or are exhausted, to enable the Commissary to 
continue to fill the requisitions in hand. The motion 
being seconded, was adopted. 



Customhouse, October 22, 1878. 

The rules were suspended to fix time of meeting of 
the Committee. It was unanimously decided that 
hereafter the Committee meet at 11 a. m., instead of 7 
p. M., as heretofore. 

After passing the foregoing resohition, the Commit- 
tee met at 7 p. m., F. L. Richardson, Chairman; Messrs. 
L Sclierck, A. Baldwin, Wm. Wright, V. Ser«^ and Wra. 
BroAvn, being present. 

The report of Commissary Scherck, was called for. 
He presented a report in detail, showing that the Com- 
mittee had purchased from various parties, since the 
meeting of the 19th inst., supplies to the amount of 
$2086 61. He also handed in report of rations, showing A 

\ . // 




Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



that the rations issued to the various associations on 
the 31st inst., were estimated to be five thousand one 
hundred and forty-five, and on the 22d thirteen thou- 
sand five liundred and eighty-five. The requisitions 
in the hands of different societies are estimated to 
be three hundred; those of the Committee, signed and 
unsigned, one hundred and nine; and, in the aggregate 
including those in process of issuance to-day, amounts 
to twenty-nine thousand five hundred and forty-five 
rations. The stock is estimated at fo^^rteen thousand 
rations, leaving fifteen thousand five hundred and 
forty -five rations to be provided for, which at fourteen 
cents per ration will amount to J2176 30. By unani- 
mous consent, the report was received and approved. 

Statement of cash receipts and expenditures was 
read, showing the amount received from September 
13tli to October 21st to be $7056 84, and the amount 
expended, $6715 28, leaving a balance on hand the 
morning of the 21st inst,. of $341 56. Moved that it 
be received and approved, which, on being seconded, 
was adopted. 

A telegram from the Hon. Wm. M. Evarts, to 
F. L. Richardson, Chairman, in regard to statement of 
Howards that no more funds were needed, was read. 

A communication from W. F. Halsey, Esq., enclosing 
check for $3000, from J. Pierpont Morgan, Treasurer 
Southern Relief Committee, New York Chamber of 
Commerce, was read, and the Secretary was instructed 
to have public mention of same made through the 
newspapers, 

A telegram from Hon. Henry L. Pierce, Mayor of 
Boston, donating $1000, and addressed to A. Baldwin, 
Treasurer of this Committee. It was resolved that 
acknowledgment jpe made as in the case above. 




^sT 




The following acknowledgments of various donations 
were made in the city newspapers: From J. Pier- 
pont Morgan, New York Chamber of Commerce, $3000; 
from H. L. Pierce, Mayor of Boston, $1000; from 
Lancaster, Pa., through E. Pilsbury, Mayor, $45 50; 
from E. W. Campbell, Bonham, Texas, $50; from sales 
of empty barrels and boxes, 140, aggregating $4135 50. 

In the case of the Society of Amis de I'Ordre, applying 
for relief for their members, the matter was deferred till 
apportionments for other societies were made. 

A memorandum of provisions received from tbe 
United States Governments was read and approved. 

A communication was read from A. M. Button, 
Great Bend, Kansas, offering wheat as a donation, 
stating tbat he liad collected fifty-five bushels, now in 
hand. The letter being addressed to the Hon. Geo. L. 
Smith, was by him referred to this Committee. The 
Chairman telegraphed to Mr. Button to sell and remit 
proceeds. 

An application from .Tames Lewis, M. W. G. Master 
of Eureka Grand Lodge, asking relief for the sick 
and destitute members of his lodge, was presented, and 
action thereon was deferred, to be considered when the 
apportionments to other societies are acted upon. 

Mr. Baldwin presented a telegram from C. N. Bliss, 
New York, in relation to the three thousand dollars 
donated by tlie New York Chamber of Commerce. It 
was moved, and adopted that the grateful acknowledg- 
ment of this Committee be communicated to the Treas- 
urer of the Southern Kelief Committee for the very 
liberal contribution. 

J. B. Ludwig, Inspecting Visitor, reported in regard 
to several requisitions being left at the house of Mr. 
Bowers at Carrollton. He found they were delivered 



A 




u 




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Report 01 Orleans Central Relief Committee. 49 



to the persons for whom the requisitions were intended, 
and therefore no improper results had occurred. The 
report was received and adopted. 

In accordance with the resolution fixing the time of 
meeting at 11 a. m. instead of 7 p. m., the Committee 
adjourned to Thursday 24th at 11 a, m. 



Customhouse, October 24, 1878. 

The meeting was called to order at 11 a. m. The fol- 
lowing members were present: Kichardson, Brown, 
Baldwin, Voorhies, Wright, Ser6, Scherck, and Bell. 
The reading of the minutes of last meeting was dis- 
pensed with. 

Report of Commissary Scherck was called for. He 
stated that he had purchased 12650 worth of rations to 
meet all requisitions on hand. 

A communication from Mayor Pilsbury, announcing 
that he had received five hundred dollars from the 
citizens of Norwich, Conn., through Hugh H. Osgood, 
Mayor of that city, to be paid to the Orleans Central 
Relief Committee, was read, and, on motion, it was 
resolved that the thanks of the Committee be extended 
to the citizens of Norwich, and that a public acknowl- 
edgment of same be made through the press. 

A telegram from Gen. R. L. Gibson, Washington, D. 
C, stating that he had secured three thousand dollars 
for this Committee, was received, v.vA the Oliairm.an 
was requested to answer it, and to thank him for exert- 
ing himself in behalf of this Committee and people, 

Mr, Sere handed in receipts from the followino- 
asylums for cash donated instead of rations, viz: 

7 



^ 








50 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee, 

Mount Carmel Asylum $ 20 00 

Asylum of the Immaculate Conception 20 00 

St. Vincent Infant Asylum 10 00 

St. Alphonsus Asylum 10 00 

St. Vincent's Home Asylum, Boys 5 00 

Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor 35 00 

Aggregating $100 00 

Mr. Baldwin asked that the Methodist Conference be 
allowed fifteen requisitions, and that ten cents cash per 
ration be paid in lieu of issuing rations to them. He 
also wished to be remembered in the apportionment of 
blank requisitions, as the representative of the Protes- 
tant Conferences; both of which privileges were granted 
by unanimous consent. 
. Mr. Voorhies offered the following resolution: 

Resolved, That in issuing further requisitions, one-half will be 
distributed between'^^the several societies of the Committee, and 
the other half be apportioned among the members of the Commit- 
tee, provided that one hundred and fifty additional requisitions be 
retained for contingencies. 

Motion being made and seconded, the resolution was 
adopted. 

Mr. Wright moved that all resolutions in conflict 
with the above of Mr. Voorhies, be annulled. Carried 

Mr. Ser6 moved that all Catholic Conferences and all 
the Protestant Conferences be regarded as one society, 
and tliat each be allowed in the apportionment of blank 
requisitions, the same number as any one of the societies 
composing this organization. Adopted. 

On motion of Major Scherck, it was resolved that 
all the duplicate requisitions be cancelled. Adopted, 

He also laid before the Committee a requisition for 
an outside parish, issued by Mr. Baldwin. Mr. Wright 
moved that, as it was contrary to a resolution hereto- 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 




fore passed by this Committee, Mr. Baldwin be informed 
of this fact by the Secretary, and that the requisition 
be returned to him-. Adopted. 

Mr. Scherck moved that one hundred and fifty blank 
requisitions be reserved for contingencies: one hundred 
and fifty to be distributed';jro rata among the Commit- 
tee, and one hundred and fifty to be issued to societies 
immediately, the same number being given to each, and 
that each requisition of those issued under this resolu- 
tion be stamped twice with the seal of this Committee. 
Adopted. 

Mr. Ser6 was, by his recjuest, authorized to receipt for 
those requisitions allotted to Dr. Doumeing, President 
of 8t. Vincent de Paul Society. 

An application for the relief of their sick and destitute 
members was received from Eureka Grand Lodge. The 
aid was granted, and the same number of blank requisi- 
tions given as were allotted other societies. 

A copy of a letter addressed to the various asylums, 
informing them of the donation in cash in lieu of rations, 
was read and approved. 

In reference to the case of Charles T. Estlin, who 
stated that he had not received the rations sent to his 
house, Mr. Ludwick, Visiting Deputy, reported that on 
investigation he found that the rations had been received 
by Mrs. Estlin. The report was adopted. 




Customhouse, October 25, 1878. 
The Committee met at 11 a. m., the following mem- 
bers being present: F. L. Richardson, Chairman, and 
Messrs. Voorhies, Brown, Scherck, Bell, Marks, Sere, 
BaldAvin, and Roy, representing Wright. 



'>/ c 



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52 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



A telegram was received from W. E, Sandf ord, Esq. , 
Hamilton, Ontario, stating that lie could send clothing, 
shoes, blankets, or money, and desiring to know which 
were most needed. The Chairman replied that money 
and food were greatly needed, and that the other articles 
could be turned into cash. The thanks of the Commit- 
tee were tendered Mr. Sandford. 

A telegram was received from Hon. R. L. Gibson, 
asking whether the Chairman had telegraphed to the 
President and Secretary of State. The Chairman re- 
plied in the negative, but requested Gen. Gibson to 
aid all he could. 

A telegram was received from Mayor W. F. Logan, 
Williamsport, Pa., authorizing the President of the 
Committee to draw at sight for two hundred dollars, 
which was accordingly done, and the Mayor notified of 
the fact. A vote of thanks was passed, and the Treas- 
urer requested to publicly acknowledge the gift. 

Mr. Marks moved that the Cluiirman be authorized to 
state, in answer to telegrams or communications, that 
any money or supplies can be used judiciously; that the 
other committees are about closing, and that there is 
still a great amount of distress among this people. '~ The 
amendment was made to only telegraph to Gen. Gibson 
to aid us, which was adopted, 

A letter was received from C. N. Bliss, of Ncav York, 
in relation to the three thousand dollars donated by the 
Chamber of Commerce. 

A communication was received from Sister Therise, 
Directress of St. Bernard Old People's Retreat, acknowl- 
edging receipt of ten dollars, donated to them in lieu of 
rations. 

A communication was received from J. "W. Breedlove, 
asking relief for nurses in the corps under his charge, 



J 



~4L 



who had gone to Memphis from Galveston. As they 
were quarantined, and unable to reach Galveston, he 
applied to this Committee for assistance for those here 
under him, stating that he had sought relief from the 
Howard Association, but did not succeed in obtaining 
it, which statement is duly endorsed in his communi- 
cation. 

Mr. Baldwin moved that they be paid fifty dollars. 
Mr. Scherck amended it by giving the four nurses ten 
dollars each; amendment accepted and carried. 

On motion, Capt. Bell was appointed a committee of 
one to investigate the case of Mr. Breedlove and those 
under him; and if ten dollars were not sufficient to give 
the relief sought for, to extend the amount to twenty 

dollars each. 

Mr. Scherck moved that twelve hundred and fifty 
rations be given to the President to use at his discretion, 
in direct applications. Carried, 

It was resolved that no requisitions be received after 
12 M., 26th inst., for which rations will be issued. 
Those received after that hour are to be paid three dol- 
lars per requisition, provided funds are on hanu. 

By unanimous consent of this Committee, Thad. 
Waterman was elected Secretary. 




Customhouse, October 26, 1878. 

The Committee was called to order at 7 p. m., F. L. 
Richardson, Esq., Chairman, and the following members 
present: Messrs. Marks, Roy, Hassinger, Baldwin, Sere, 
Scherck, and Bell. 

Treasurer's Report was handed in, showing that since 
the meeting of the 19th inst., the Committee had 
received 15081 56, and had paid out $4766 66, leaving a 



zX 



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yj"-' 54 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 







balance on hand of $314 90 at this date, for details of 
which the Treasurer respectfully refers to his statement 
of cash received October 26, 1878, and numbered No. 1. 
Memorandum of total amount received and expended to 
date, being mentioned on the statement, as follows: 
Total amount received, $11,796 84; amount expended, 
$11,481 94; balance being as above, $341 90. Eeceived 
and adopted. 

Major Scherck handed in his report as Commissary, in 
whicli he addressed the Committee the following letter: 

Gentlemen — On the 8th inst., we commenced our second series of 
issue of rations, purchasing supplies with the donations received 
from various sources, as per statement of our Treasurer, and in- 
cludino- forty thousand rations received from the Government 
(second donation from them). We to this date issued four thousand 
two hundred and ninety-six requisitions in kind, which are to four 
thousand two hundred and ninety-six families, equal to one hundred 
and sixty thousand one hundred and twenty rations ; and by resolu- 
tion of the board, commuted to the different Orphan Asylums in this 
city four thousand seven hundred and twenty-five rations, at ten 
cents, $472 50. Annexed, I lay before you a detailed statement of 
daily issues, and also detailed statement of rations issued to each 
society, and respectfully subscribe myself. 
Your obedient servant, 

ISAAC SCHEKCK, 

Superintendent of Issues. 

By unanimous consent, the report of the Commissary 
was received and approved. 

Mr. Scherck offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted unanimously: 

Resolved That whatever may be left of supplies not issued, or 
returned by parties not found, the same shall be turned over to the 
asylum corner Laurel and Josephine streets, known as St. Joseph 
Asylum, a.s that asylum has not received anything from us. 

Mr. Scherck also submitted* an estimate of expenses 



■^ 




Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 55 

necessary to wind up the affairs of the Orleans Central 
Relief Committee, as follows: 

Book-keeper $17 00 

Secretary 15 00 

Chief Clerk 15 00 

Porters, etc 10 00 

Printing 30 00 

Contingent Expanses 13 00 

Total $100 00 

Mr. Scherck moved that the President ajipoint a com- 
mittee to examine the books and accounts of this Com- 
mittee. Being seconded and adopted, Messrs. Baldwin 
and Sere were appointed. 

Mr. Baldwin offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted: 

Resolved, That this Committee cease this evening the issue of rations, 
but continue to act together as a body, and that all donations sent to 
us be distributed by the members of this Committee in person, under 
direction of the Committee as a whole. 

On motion, the Secretary was instructed to have this 
resolution published. 

Under instructions, the Secretary caused the following 
acknowledgments to be made in the daily papers: 

New Orleans, October 25th, 1878. 
This Committee have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the 
following donations : From citizens of the city of Norwich, Conn., 
remitted by the Hon. Hugh H. Osgood, Mayor, through Hon. E. 
Pilsbury, Mayor, $500 ; from Hon. W. F. Logan, Mayor, Williams- 
port, Pa., per telegram. 



Col. Roy called attention to the case of Mr. George G. 
Parker, one of the Galveston nurses, who had been 
reported as dead by the Memphis papers, and who had 
brought and exhibited to members of this Committee 



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/' 56 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

his badges and letters: thereby showing that he had 
acted meritoriously during the prevalence of the scourge 
which visited that city. Col. Roy stated that Mr. Par- 
ker desired to be placed on the same footing as Mr. 
Breedlove. It was moved and adopted that Mr. Parker 
call on Capt. Bell, who was appointed as a committee to 
investigate such matters. 

The President read a letter he had addressed to the 
Mayor of Boston, thanking him for the kindness and 
generosity he had manifested towards this Committee. 

The Committee received the following communica- 
tion, which was read and ordered to be spread upon the 
minutes, and given to the press for free publication: 

Ladies' Physiological Society, N. 0., Oct 25, 1878. 
Oenilemen of the Orleans Central Relief Committee — The Ladies' 
Physiological Society being about to close its relief work, the un- 
dersigned cannot allow the occasion to pass without conveying to 
you our very special acknowledgments of the courtesies our society 
and ourselves have received at your hands. Even at the hazard of 
being invidious when all have been kind, we cannot forbear saying 
that from you we have received the most willing co-operation and 
assistance ; and as individuals we further desire to bear special 
testimony to the dignity, kindness, and gentlemanly deportment 
which have unvaryingly marked your conduct toward us as co- 
workers with you in relieving the poor and destitute of our city. 
The scenes of sickness and sorrow which have come under our ob- 
servation will never be banished from memory, but always remain 
to teach us that highest form of religion which finds expression in 
acts of kindness toward another in time of trouble. Trusting that 
our people may be spared for many years from the afiiiction so 
malignant during the last four months, and that you all may re- 
ceive the consideration due to the disinterested, generous, and 
equitable administration of the charity committed to your hands, we 
have the honor to remain, your obeilient servants, 
Mrs. E. L. SAXON, President, 
Mrs. M. A. HEATHERTON, Vice-President, 
Mrs. MARY A. TRIPLER, Secretary, 




/ 



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A letter from a lady iii St. Francisville, La., in regard 
to whom the Chamber of Commerce ©f New York had 
written, was read by the President, who stated that 
he had telegraphed to St. Francisville for information 
that might be desirable touching the case. 

The following is a copy of the letter received by Mr. 
Baldwin from C. N. Bliss, Esq., member of Southern 
Relief Committee, New York Chamber of Commerce, 
and the reply to it published in the daily city papers : 

Office of Wright, Bliss & Fabyan, New York, Oct. 21, 1S7S. 
My Dear Baldwin — Your telegram was duly received, and I shall 
wire you half-rate to-night as follows : " President Chamber of 
Commerce sent you to-day, as Treasurer, on my assurance that you 
personally will see the same judiciously expended, the sum of three 
thousand dollars." The point is this : Some members of our Com- 
mittee have somehow got the idea that [this special organization is 
not entirely of a charitable nature. I told them that your connec- 
tion with it was a sufficient guarantee that it was all right, and the 
appropriation was made accordingly. 

Very truly yours, C. N. BLISS. 

New Orleans, La., October 26th, 1S7S. 
How any one could have lent himself to the base purpose of 
misrepresenting the committee of gentlemen who have devoted 
themselves to relieving the distress prevailing in our city, is be- 
yond our comprehension. If any association has been fair and 
impartial, free from partisan or sectarian bias, that association is 
the Orleans Central Relief Committee. The community does not 
need to be informed that the statement " that this special organiza- 
tion is not entirely of a charitable nature," is maliciouslv false. 

I. N. MARKS, 
President Firemen's Charitable Association. 

ALBERT VOORHIES, 
President Homoenpathic Relief Association. 
J. K. BELL, 
President Steamboatmen's Relief Association. 
JOHN ASTREDO, 
President Italian Relief Committee. 
J. HASSINGER, 

German Reli,ef Association. 
VICTOR SERE, 
Secretary, and representing Society St. Vincent de Paid. 



8 



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Customhouse, October 29, 1878. 

Meeting was called to order at 7 p. m., F. L. Eichard- 
son, President, and the following members present: 
Messrs. Scherck, Brown, Ser6, and Baldwin. 

Mr. Sclierck presented his report as Commissary, 
with a list of societies to whom rations had been issued. 

Vouchers and cash statement were referred to the 
Finance Committee. 

A draft for one hundred and fifty dollars was received 
from Hon. Thomas A. Doyle, Mayor of Providence, 
K. I. The President returned the same to the Mayor 
for his endorsement, which had been omitted. 

A communication was also received from George W. 
Batemau, Elder of the Southern Presbyterian Church, 
remitting money order for two dollars and twenty-five 
cents, from the Daughters of Samaria, Evans Lodge 
No. 9. 

The following letter from the emjiloyes was read and 
ordered to be spread upon the minutes. 
Frank L. Richardson, President, and the Members of the 0. C. It. C. : 

Gentlemen — The undersigned, employes of your Committee, desire 
to express our liigli and grateful appreciation, as well as our thank- 
fulness, tor the uniform kindness and urbanity, of .treatment we 
have received at your hands. We take pleasure in referring es- 
pecially to the many acts of thoughtful consideration manifested 
by the Chief Superintendent, Isaac Scherck, under whose command 
we directly served, and that of his assistant, Mr. Louis Scherck, 
who has, by his advice and direction, aided us in our arduous 
duties. We will ever retain in grateful remembrance our as'^ocia- 
tion with you, and trust that your future, one and all, will be 
unclouded by affliction or misfortune, and beg leave to respectfully 
subscribe ourselves, your obedient servants, 

Signed : J. C Golding, M. E. Dodsworth, R. H. Brunei, J. J. 

Fogel, .James Larkin, Morse, Joseph Rey, W. C. Die cey, 

C. W. Kilboi-ne, A. P. House, J. Brandon, D. Beanchini, D. A. Rose, 
J. L. Dupart, Jolm Keller, Miles Sharkey, J. B. Ludwick, William 
Dupcrn, James R. Daly, S. S. Francisco. 



^^3: 



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Major Scherck and Colonel Roy were appointed a 
committee to draw up resolutions thanking various 
parties for farors extended, and to present the same at 
the next meeting. 

A communication was received from the Ladies' Aux- 
iliary Aid Association, of the Mutual Benevolent Relief. 
The Secretary was authorized to copy the letter from 
the Daughters of Samaria, and enclose it, with the 
$2.25, to the above society. 

On motion of Mr. Baldwin, twelve requisitions, on 
hand and not used, were appropriated to the Protestant 
Episcopal Home. 

It was resolved that the money on hand, not other- 
wise appropriated, be retained until next meeting. 



Customhouse, November 2, 1878. 

The Committee met at 7 p. m., F. L. Richardson, 
President, and the following members present: Messrs. 
Scherck, Wright, Baldwin, and Ser6, 

Major Scherck submitted his written report as Com- 
missary, with a statement of the rations issued. 

Upon motion it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Committee are justly clue to 
Major Scherck, for the excellent judgment he has manifested in both 
purchasing supplies and issuing rations, in obedience to the requi- 
sitions of the various societies, as well as the energy and activity he 
has displayed in the organization and efficiency of the department 
over which he had control, and for the unbiased and impartial man- 
ner in which the distribution of the rations had been executed under 
his orders. 

It was further resolved that his report be spread upon 
the minutes, and that it be published in the daily press. 

Mr. Baldwin gave a verbal report as to the correct- 
ness of all the accounts bearing upon Mr. Scherck's 




'v: 



CO Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

department, and was highly gratified to announce to 
the Committee that their appreciation and approval of 
the highly satisfactory manner in which Major Scherck's 
department had been conducted, Avas no more than due 
him. 

The rejjort was as follows: 

To the Chairman and Members of the 0. C. R. C. : 

Gentlemen — Herewith I lay before you a detailed statement of both 
series of issues made by this Committee since its organization on 
September 7, 1878, to October 26th, inclusive. 

The first receipt of forty thousand United States Government 
rations, togetlier with some supplies purchased, were issued from 
the 7th to the 18th of September, inclusive, on 2680 requisitions, 
equal to that many families, representing 58,750 rations. These 
must have been consumed by the recipients ere our second series 
of issues commenced. 

On the 7th of October we commenced our second series of rations, 
which, at the close, on the evening of the 25th, amounted to 4296 
requisitions, equal to that many families, with 160,120 full rations ; 
and we have commuted 4725 rations to orplian asylums, at ten 
cents per ration. Total issue second series, 164,845 rations. 

Towards the second series of issues we received from the United 
States Government forty tliousand full United States rations, esti- 
mated at twelve cents per ration, which is a high value, amount- 
ing to $4800. Amount expended for purchasing supplies, delivery 
of same, clerical labor, stationery, etc., $11,481 94. Total expen- 
diture, valued in money, $16,281 84 — showing that the cost of our 
rations, delivered to the destitute families, even paying visitors for 
investigating the merits of the applicants and seeing to the deliv- 
ery, was done at a cost of nine 80-100 of a cent per ration, which 
consiste 1 of the following quantity per ration: Bacon, ^ pound; 
flour or meal, | pound ; grits or Hominy, } pound ; rice, 2 ounces ; 
cftiee, 1| ounce; sugar 3 ounces; tea } ounce. Children, one- 
half of above rations. 

I also annex a list of societies tlu'ough whom the requisitions 
were made, with a detailed list of rations furnished to each: 




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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 61 




Societies. Requisitions. 

American Union Club 121 

Army of Tennessee 238 

American Benevolent and Mutual Aid Association.. 68 

Algiers Benevolent Relief Asy elation 45 

Bay St. Louis 33 

Orleans Central Relief Committee 890 

Collector of the Port of New Orleans 205 

Crescent Encampment No. 1, K. of T 40 

Economy Hall """•' 

Eureka Grand Lodge '5 

Firemen's Charitable Association 103 

Francs Amis -^l 

French Benevolent Association • 1 

German Men's Benevolent Association 52 

Grand Army of the Republic 232 

German Relief Association 98 

Heart of Hearts 23 

Homoeopathic Association 145 

Irish Rifles 65 

Italian Relief Association 63 

Ladies of Charity, St. Joseph's Church 20 

Ladies' Physiological Society ■ 43 

Veterans Mexican War Association 64 

Mount Zion Association ■ 15 

Mutual Benevolent Relief Association 181 

Orleans Artillery 57 

Odd Fellows' Aid Association - 56 

Protestant Conference • 10" 

Relief to the Worthy 29 

St. Augustine's Conference 48 

St. Peter's Conference '^" 

>St. Ann's Conference ''^1 

St. Mary's Conference 50 

St. Michael's Conference 51 

St. John's Conference. 52 

St. Patrick's Conference 59 

St. Theresa's Conference 51 

St. Joseph's Conference 32 

St. Alphonsus Conference 34 



Rations. 
3,270 
8,395 
2,475 
1,490 
1,320 
34,900 
3,730 
1,565 
1,370 

235 
3,385 
1,280 
40 
2,075 
8,475 
3,640 

955 
5,280 
2,820 
2,640 

890 
1,490 
2,495 

685 
6,598 
2,409 
1,955 
3,155 
1,255 
2,020 
1,785 
1,905 
2,005 
1,580 
2,140 
1,525 
1,715 
1,370 
1,085 





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62 Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



Societies. Requisitions. Rations. 

St. Vincent de Paul 45 1,605 

Seven Wise Men 14 635 

Spanish Benevolent Relief Association 45 1,785 

Annunciation Conference ?. 48 1,725 

St. George's Society 35 1,400 

Union Benevolent Relief Association 5 205 

Young Men's Christian Association 593 20,725 

Steam boatmen's Relief Association 113 4,560 

Total number rations issued 160,120 

To which add amount of the first issue 58,750 

Makes a total of rations 218,870 

Respectfully submitted, 

ISAAC SCHERCK, 

Superintendent of Issues. 

The report of the Treasurer was made, announcing 
that he could not give an exact balance, but would do so 
at next meeting. The President stated that the draft 
he luid returned to Mayor Doyle would probably be in 
hand by the next meeting, and the Treasurer could then 
give full data. 

Ten dollars were ap2:>ropriated to John Hall, who had 
rendered services as doorkeeper during the sittings of 
the Committee. The bill of the Democrat for $4.50, 
and that of the Bee for $7.50, were also ordered paid. 

Captain Wright moved that the funds now on hand, 
excepting the amounts apjjropriated to pay bills, etc., be 
retained until next meeting. 

An application was received from Drs. B. M. Palmer 
and W. U. Holcombe for relief for Miss Mary Stark, 
sufficient to enable her to reach her friends from St. 
Louis to an interior town in lov.'a. Being well endorsed, 
she was allowed twenty-live dollars. 

Mr. Scherck was requested to investigate and ascer- 
tain at what price he could buy coal and blankets on 
requisitions, and to report next meeting. 






sx. 



Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 63 




Messrs. Scherck and Eoy having been appointed a 
Committee to draw up resolutions of appreciation and 
thanks to various parties, the following were submitted 
and adopted, the Secretary being instructed to have 
them published in the daily press. 

Whereas, The epidemic and destitution prevailing in our midst 
tried every pure-minded heart, and so many offered their lives and 
wealth toward the amelioration of suffering humanity, it would be, 
under ordinary circumstances, out of place to eulogize any one in 
particular ; but as the objects of these resolutions had used more 
than ordinary efforts to prevail upon the United States Government, 
and succeeded notwithstanding all opposition, to obtain from us 
eio-htv thousand rations, to be distributed among so many suffering 
families, it is our pleasing duty to bear testimony to the noble and 
disinterested behavior of Colonel G. L. Smith, wlio found no trouble 
too arduous, or means too difficult, to assist us in our undertaking. 
Therefore, be it 

Resolved, That this Committee hereby acknowKdge their appre- 
ciation of Colonel G. L. Smith, as a gentleman whose sense of duty 
toward the fellow-men, places him high in our estimation as a 
humanitarian. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to Colonel 
G. L. Smith, and same be also published in the New Orleans papers. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this community are due to Mr. 
Peter Holten, who, from the organization of this Committee to the 
last issues, gave the use of his horse and buggy and personal services 
o-ratuitously, and with energy and zeal attended to all the business 
placed under his charge. 

Resolved, That similar thanks are due to Messrs. Mike Walsh and 
Gus. Hollander, who acted as volunteer visitors free of charge, and 
to Messrs. Fairbanks & Co., Stauffer, Macready & Co., A. Baldwin 
& Co., and Isaacson & Sims, for services rendered, and to Mr. E. 
Lilienthal, for use of clock and other courtesies. 

The following communication was received from tlie 
New Orleans Mutual Benevolent Relief Association: 

Netv Orleans, November 3, 1S7S. 

At a meeting of the Executive Board of the Mutual Benevolent 
Relief Association, the following resolution was adopted . 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



Hesolved, That as the representative organization of the colored 
people of the parish of Orleans, we tender our thnnks and grateful 
acknowledgments to Major Frank L. Eichardson, Chairman, and 
tlie officers and attaches of tlie Orleans Central Kelief Committee, 
for the impartial and uniform courtesy with which that organization 
has treated the Mutual Benevolent Relief Association in all our 
transactions with the Orleans Central Relief Committee; and the 
breadth of equality which enabled our representative, Hon. William 
G. Brown, to relieve, through the Committee, so many of our 
sufTering. 

By order of the Committee: Wm. U. SAUNDERS, 

Acting Secretary M. B. E. A. 

The following acknowledgments were made: From 
the citizens of Jersey City, N. J., througli Henry J. 
Hoi:)per, Mayor, through E. Pilsbury, Mayor, 1361; 
from Co. D, Washington Guards, 4th Eegiment JST. J. 
State Militia, Capt. George B. Fielder, through Mayor 
Henry J. Hopper, through E. Pilsbury, Mayor, 180. 

The following communication from the Young Men's 
Christian Association was read by the President, and 
ordered to be spread upon the minutes and published: 

Neiv Orleans, October 31, 1878. 
Frank L. Richardson, President 0- C R. C. : 

Dear Sir — At the close of a season memorable for tlie distress 
entailed upon our community by the prevalence of yellow fever in 
its most virulent form, our Relief Committee in its active efforts to 
mitigate suffering and relieve the destitution incident to an epidemic 
so wide-spread, are called upon to express to your association the 
liigh appreciation we entertain for the invitation extended to us, 
and accepted, to co-operate with you in distributing supplies of food 
to the destitute poor of our population. 

We recognize the charitable motive you entertained in this wor- 
thy effort to succor the needy, and can truly testify that so far as 
our cognizance of your work reaches, the aid you have rendered 
filled a place that no other organization could cover, the benefits of 
whicli were equally shared by all who were found wortliy. 

Willi thanks for the liberal requisitions granted our Relief Com- 
mittee, and sentiments of the highest esteem for the gentlemen of 
your committee, I am, very truly yours, 

w. c. shp:pard, 

Chairman Relief Com. Y. M. C. A. 





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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 65 



The annexed letter from the Grand Army of the 
Republic was read by Captain Wright. On motion, it 
was resolved that it be spread upon the minutes and 
published. 

New Orleans, November 1st, 1S7S. 

At a meeting of this? Post the following resolution was unani- 
niuusly adopted : 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Post, through its Relief Com- 
mittee, be and the same are hereby tendered to tlie Orleans Central 
Relief Committee for the impartiality and generous ftiirness with 
which they have acted in the arduous duties of distributing the 
rations committed to their care, all classes sharing alike and the 
satisfaction being universal. 

Y. A. WOODWARD, 

Post Commander. 
The following communication was received from the 
Hon. (jreorge L. Smith, and spread upon the minntes: 

Neiv Orleans, November, 1S7S. 
Major F. J>. Richardson, President, and Members of 0. C. R. C. : 

Gentlemen — The exigency that called your Committee into exist- 
ence is past. Your labors are nearly ended. In view of this, it is 
meet that I make some acknowledgment of your services. Allow 
me, then, to express, not .>nly my high appreciation of the wisdom, 
harmony, and efficiency which havc cliaracterized your entire man- 
agement, but the esteem in which I personally hold yourself and 
associates. I question if there can be found in all the annals of 
effort for relief of the needy and afflicted, the counterpart of your 
Committee. The prompt response of the various benevolent asso- 
ciations, by representatives, to my call for consultation as to the best 
means for tlie distribution of the rations sent to me by tlie Govern- 
ment, resulted in the organization of the Orleans Central Relief 
Committee. The wisdom of the representatives was clearly revealed 
in the catholicity of spirit which governed their selection of the 
members of the Committee ; for it embraces on its membership 
representatives of every religious denomination and charitable asso- 
ciation in our midst. In your oi-ganization we have seen Catholic 
and Protestant, Democrat and Republican, ex-Confederate and ex- 
Federal, white and colored, vieing with eacli other in noble efforts 
and perfect harmony for the relief of the suffering that had called 

9 




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66 'R.e^oYt of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



forth the bounty of the Government and the generous gift of the 
people. 

It is devoutly to be wished that our fair city and land may never 
again be visited with this terrible scourge. The past, however, 
teaches us that we may not hope for exemption in the future. I 
would therefore recommend that you make your organization per- 
manent. The confidence that you have established at home and 
abroad, the certainty that your work commands admiration and 
approvcil, and the need for your organization which this epidemic 
has demonstrated, demands this of you. 

Sincerely congratulating you on the termination of your labors, 
I hereby acknowledge my personal obligation for your many cour- 
tesies. With great respect, 

GEO. L. SMITH, Collector. 



Customhouse, November 6, 1878. 

The Committee met at 12 m., the President, F. L. 
Eicharclson, and the following members present: Messrs. 
Scherck, Baldwin, Hassinger, Brown, Roy, and Sere. 

Mr. Sclierck, as duly authorized at the previous meet- 
ing, reported the advisability of not investing balance 
of cash in coal, for the reason that there is too much 
expense and difficulty attending the delivery of five 
barrels to each family, and also great liability of error 
in delivery. He recommended that blankets be pur- 
chased instead, as being more serviceable to the recip- 
ients, which was adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Sere, it was resolved that three 
hundred and fifty pairs of blankets be bought, at a price 
not to exceed two dollars per pair. 

Mr. Baldwin moved that Mr. Scherck be empowered 
to purchase the blankets, feeling assured, from past 
experience, that he would exercise good judgment as to 
price and quality. 

It was resolved that each member should receive his 



^ 




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pro rata — say one-tenth of three hundred and fifty pairs 
(thirty-five pairs), to be distributed at his discretion 
among those families Avho are particuhirly needy and 
destitute; that the signature of each member be left 
with the merchant from whom the blankets are pur- 
chased, so that he will know the genuineness of their 
signatures as they are presented by the beneficiaries; 
that not more than two pairs shall be given to any one 
family, and that vouchers be handed in within fifteen 
days from this date. And further, that the blankets to 
l)e purchased shall remain at the store of the merchant, 
and be delivered by him to the party presenting the 
order, who will endorse his name thereon, thus enabling 
the committee to know whether or not the proper person 
has received them. 

The following communication was read and spread 
upon the minutes: 

Customhouse, New Orleans, Nov. 4th., 1S78. 
Major F. L. Richard-son, Chairman 0. C. R. C: 

Dear Sir — Your communication of the 2d inst., per Mr. Thad. 
Waterman, Secretary, transmitting preamble and resolution passed 
by your Committee, is before me. Please accept yourself and con- 
vey to the Committee my hearty thanks for their kind words; and 
allow me further to saj- that I deem the attention and approval of 
the members of the Orleans Central Relief Committee, either in 
their individual or associate capacity, sufficient incentive to secure 
the best efforts of any man. The thought that I had done anything 
to merit their attention has not for one moment entered my mind. 
I could wish that the specific duty which I may have performed 
might be forgotten ; yet 1 confess to the pleasure that it will ever 
afford me if, in their recollections of the great plague of '78, and 
those engaged in the liumane work of relief, I be given the place 
of associate laborer. Again acknowledging my high appreciation 
of the kind words and sentiments of the Committee, I am, with 
great res] ect, 

GEO. L. SMITH, Collector. 



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The following from the Society of St. Vincent de 
Paul was read and spread upon the minutes: 

Superior Council Society St. Vincent de Paul, \ 
NeiD Orlecvm, Nov. 4th, 1S7S. J 

To the Officers and other Gentlemen constituting the 0. C. R. C. : 

Gentlemen— The twelve branches of this Society, commonly known 
as Conferences, and united by a Central Board, whose title heads 
this page, do hereby, through their chief officers, return you their 
sincere and heartfelt thanks for the impartial mnnner in which you 
have discharged the onerous duties imposed upon you, of distribut- 
ing the rations committed to your care by a kind and paternal 
Government, and charitable persons. Wishing you, each and all, 
in the name of our brethren and of the numerous poor families in 
our charge, the choicest blessings of a bountiful Providence, we 
remain, gentlemen, with the highest regard, your devoted friends 

and co-laborers. 

E. DOUMEING, M. D., President. 

Thos. G. Rapier, Secretary. 

The President read the following communication he 
had prepared: 

Col. George L. Smith, Collector of the Port : 

Bear Sir — We have the pleasure to transmit to you tlie accom- 
panying statements, showing how and to whom the eighty thousand 
rations contributed by the United States Government for relief of 
the yellow fever sufferers, were distributed. We effected the distri- 
bution through the different charitable organizations of the city. 

To prevent any one from receiving more than its share, we divi- 
ded requisitions upon us among them; each one received from us 
in proportion to the extent of its operations. We caused the pro- 
visions to be delivered in wagons at the doors of the applicants. 
The charity of the Government was undoubtedly well bestowed, 
and was timely. Without it, the sad spectacle would have been 
prfsented of many of our fellow-countrymen perishing for bread. 
The representatives of forty-four charitable associations, ourselves, 
and the inspectors who accompanied tlie supply wagons, are the 
witnesses to testify to these facts. The thousands of letters, accom- 
(lanit'd Ijy certillcates of ministers and physicians, annexed to the 
requisitions transmitted, further attest the necessity that called forth 







Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 69 

tlie aid of the Government. Our only regret is that the supplies 
were exhausted before the cause of distress (the epidemic) was re- 
moved, and we were obliged to cease our labors. It is now evident that 
the dark days of the plague have nearly passed away, and New 
Orleans will resume her place in the business world ; but returning 
health and vigor will not banish from the memory of our people 
the generous conduct of the President, the Secretary of War, and 
the Treasurer ; and we desire to convey through you our hearty 
thanks to them. We desire them to know that there cannot be the 
shadow of a doubt of the necessity for their action. 
Respectfully submitted, 

FRANK L. RICHARDSON, 
President Orleans Central Relief Committee. 

The letter was unanimously approved by the Com- 
mittee, and duly signed by the President and members 
representing the various societies. 

The Secretary was directed to return thanks to Morris 
McGraw for various donations to the Committee, 

The President informed the Committee that in ac- 
cordance with a resolution passed at a previous meet- 
ing he had paid to St. Anna's Conference the sum of 
twenty-four dollars, ih lieu of eight requisitions at 
three dollars each. 

It was resolved that the Committee adjourn subject 
to the call of the President. 




No. 54 Camp Street, iVbv. 30, 1878. 

The Committee was called to order by the President 
at 7 p. M., Major F. L. Kichardson in the Chair, and 
the following members present: Messrs. Albert Voor- 
hies,.I. N. Marks, Wm. Roy, (for Capt. Wm. Wright), 
Victor Sere, W. G. Brown, Albert Baldwin, Jesse K. 
Bell, and Major Isaac Scherck. 

Reports of committees being called for, Major Scherck 
responded by stating that he had issued three hundred 



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and fifty pairs of blankets, divided pro rata among the 
members, in obedience to the resolution passed at a 
previous meeting. He stated that he had disposed of 
his share in the manner indicated by the list of bene- 
ficiaries. Major Richardson also presented the endorse- 
ments of the various persons who had received blan- 
kets from him on his order to the merchants from whom 
the purchases were made. 

A letter was received from Hon. George L. Smith, 
enclosing the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, 
being a part of the funds received by him from Hon. 
W. M. Evarts, Secretary of State, for yellow fever suf- 
ferers. The thanks of the Committee were tendered 
the donor. 

The President announced to the Committee that he 
had disbursed the following amounts since the last 
meeting: 

Levy, Loeb, Scheuer & Co., for blankets $262 00 

I. Levy & Co., for blankets 238 00 

H.Kern, for blankets 200 00 

New Orleans Democrat, publications 18 00 

New Orleans Picayune, publications 23 00 

A. P. House, clerical work 25 00 

Mrs. L. Percy, donation 5 00 

Western Union Telegraph Company 5 35 

German Gazette, publications 15 00 

Protestant Episcopal Home 30 00 

J. H. DeLeon and family, relief 5 00 

New Orleans Times, publication.s 15 00 

City Item, publications 2 00 

E. Giflford, O. C. R. C. Messenger 2 50 

William Miller, relief 2 00 

.J. H. DeLeon, relief 5 00 

Western Union Telegraph Company 2 80 

F. F. Hansell, on account printing report of Committee 50 00 

$904 65 



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Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 71 YX 




The President stated that he had paid Mr. DeLeon 
ten dollars, for the reason that, having visited his home, 
he found that he had four of his children down with 
the fever, one of whom died, and that he was in a very 
destitute condition. The President further explained 
that in regard to Mrs. Percy she was in a destitute con- 
dition, having been afflicted by the loss of one of her 
children. In the case of Mr. Gifford he had served the 
Committee as visitor without pay, and, being without 
the means of support, relief was afforded him. Mr. 
Muller, being destitute, was also provided with relief 
to the amount of two dollars. In relation to the expen- 
diture for telegraphing, the President stated that it 
was in the interest of nurses who had served in Vicks- 
burg and Memphis. 

The President read a communication from Messrs. 
W. E. Sandford and Frank Leland, U. S. Consul, Com- 
mitte on Relief, Hamilton, Ontario, enclosing invoice 
of boots, clothing, etc., amounting in value to three 
thousand dollars. On motion, it was resolved that it 
be spread on the minutes, and grateful acknowledgment 
be made through the press and by letter. 

A letter from A. P. Dumas was read, offering the 
use of his warehouse for storing and distributing the 
various articles forwarded from Hamilton, Ontario. 
The Secretary was instructed to convey to him the 
thanks of the Committee. 
^ Communications were received from Hon. D. C. Stone, 
Mayor of Galveston, Texas, and Hon. J. C. DeGress, 
Mayor of Austin, Texas, acknowledging receipt of ap- 
peal for relief, and expressive of their sympathy for 
our people in the great distress through which they 
had just passed. 

On motion of Mr. Baldwin it was resolved that the 






Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 



clothing, boots, shoes, and bhmkets, be distributed 
by the individual members of the Committee, instead 
of being divided among the various relief societies of 
the city; and for that purpose tliat they be divided 
among the ten members of the Committee pro rata. It 
was also decided that the Secretary take charge and 
make the distribution at Mr. Dumas' warehouse, and 
notify the members when ready. 

Mr. Voorhies moved an amendment of the fore- 
going resolution, to the effect that the Secretary be 
allowed his pro rata, and that the distribution be one- 
eleventh each, including the Secretary. Adopted. 

Major Scherck moved that the apples, flour, and box 
of sundries be drawn for by lot by the members and 
Secretary, for the purpose of effecting the distribution 
of the articles among the destitute yellow fever suffer- 
ers. Mr, Baldwin was deputed to arrange the drawing, 
and tlie Secretary instructed to carry out the result and 
notify the members of the receipt of the articles. 

It was resolved that the Committee adjourn subject 
to the call of the President. 






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List of Casli Contributions. 



iSept 20, from citizens of Nova Scotia, through Hon. G. 

L. Smith $ 200 00 

" 27, " Howard Association 750 00 

" " " D.B.Warner, con. from 62dCan'dn Vol' trs 142 00 

Oct. 8, " U. S. Revenue Steamer Dix : 62 00 

" " " D. Satterlee, Dunlap, Iowa 6 30 

" 9, " Mi?s Butler, Brownsville, Texas 100 00 

" 10, " H. L. Pierce, Mayor, Boston, thro' H. Ass'n 1,000 00 

'• 7, " J. Pierpont Morgan, Treas. S. R. C. N.Y.C. C 2,500 00 

" 7, " Citizens of Worcester, Mass 1,000 00 

" 14, " H. L. Jacques, Bryan, Ohio 9 85 

" " " R. W. Campbell, Bonham, Texas 50 00 

" " " J G. Tucker, Brownsville, Texas 164 00 

" " " J. O. Emerson, Brockton, Mass 50 00' 

" " " H. J. Hopper, Mayor, Jersey City 500 00 

" " " Bella Union Theatre, San Francisco 380 00 

" " " Two citizens of Madison, Wis 15 00 

•' " " Citizens of Lancaster, I Pa 45 00 

" 22, " J.PierpontMorgan,Treas.S.R.C.N.Y.C.C 3,000 00 

" " " H. L. Pierce, Mayor, Boston 1,000 00 

" 23, " Citizens of Norwich, Conn 500 00 

" 25, " W. F. Logan, Mayor, Williamsport, Pa... 200 00 
'' 28, " German Organizations, Providence, R. I., 

through Thos. A. Doyle, Mayor 125 00 

" " " Daughters of Samaria, Maysville, Ky 2 25 

Isov. 2, " Citizens, Jersey City, thro' Mayor Hopper 361 00 

" ' " Co. D, Wasiiington Guards, Jersey City.... 80 00 
" 31, " Hon. W. M. Evarts, Secretary of State, 

through Geo. L. Smith, Collector 150 00 

Dec. 16, " Citizens of Hamilton, Ontario 112 00 

Cash received from sale of empty barrels, etc- 1 65 19 

$12,070 59 




73 



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List of Provisions and Clothing Received. 



Eiglity thousand U. S. Government rations, valued at... $12,000 00 

P. J. Potter, Treas., Bowling Green, Ky., 11 bbls flour.. 88 00 

Morris McGraw, New Orleans, paper bags and sundries, 11 60 
From W. E. Sandford and Frank Leland, U. S. Consul, 
Committee for citizens of Hamilton, Ontario, the fol- 
lowing articles : 

629 pairs of boots and shoes, valued at 498 73 

Three Wanzer Sewing Machines, valued at 50 00 

New underclothing for men, valued at 358 20 

Twenty-eight Spring overcoats, men's suits, pants, etc 395 09 

Two hundred and ten pairs of blankets, valued at 315 80 

Nineteen bales of comfortables, valued at 445 80 

$14,133 22 
All of tlie above articles from Hamilton, Ontario, were landed 
here free of charge by the Great Western, Michigan Central, and 
Kentucky and Illinois Central Eailroads. 



RECAPITULATIONS^ 

Cash contributions $12,670 59 

IT. S. Government supplies 12,000 00 

Provisions from citizens of the Union 99 60 

Clothing from Canada 2,033 59 

$26,803 78 
Expenditures 26,665 22 

Balance on hand $ 138 56 



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Communications not included in foregoing Minutes. 



New Orleans, September 10, 1S7S. 
F. L. Richardson, Chairman 0. C. M. C. : 

Dear Sir — Your note of even date received. We will with pleas- 
ure loan you the provisions asked for, and the amounts specified are 
now subject to your order. Should you need more, we will be 
pleased to accommodate you. 

Respectfully, J. R. KENT & CO. 



Ladies' Physiological Society, \ 
New Orleans, September 21, 1S78. j 
Gentlemen Central Relief Association : 

We are forced, through the non-attendance of our President, Mrs. 
Nicholas Sinnott, at any of our meetings, from the obvious confusion 
which her conduct causes, the Society declares her seat vacant, and 
elect as our president, in her place, Mrs. E. L. Saxon. Slie fi'om the 
first has acted as our Cliairman, performing all tlie arduous duties 
attending upon that position. 

By order of the Ladies of the Physiological Society. 

Very respectfully, M. A. TRIPLER, Secretary. 



Customhouse, New Orleans, La., \ 
Collector's Office, September 21, 1878. j 

Mr. Frank A. Richardson, Chairman 0. C. R. C. : 

Sir — The dispatch sent by your Committee, approved by the 
representatives of tiie various Charitable Associations in this city, 
wliicli was forwarded to the Secretary of War, with the following 
endorsement, viz : 

"Customhouse, New Orleans, La., September 18, 1878. — Respect- 
fully forwarded. We do most earnestly concur in the above state- 
ment of facts, and urge upon the Hon. Secretary of War the necessity 
of tlie case and request his favorable action in the premises. 
"GEO. L. SMITH, Collector of Custums, 
A. S. BADGER, Postmaster, 
L. J. SOUER, Appraiser, 

BP:NJ. F. FLANDERS, U. S. Ass't Treasurer, 
JAMES LEWIS, Naval Officer, 
M. MARKS, Collector of Internal Revenue, 
MICHAEL HAHN, Supt. U. S. Mint, 
\VM. M. BURWELL, Register U. S. Land Office." 



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Report of Orleans Central Rel'.ef Committee. 




Has elicited the following gratifying reply : 

" Washington, D. C, Sept. 20, 1S7S. 
" Geo. L. Smith, Collector — In response to appeal received yester- 
day, I have ordered forty thousand rations additional sent to you for 
vellow fever sufferers. 

"GEO. W. McCRARY, 

Secretary of War." 
I am, very respectfully, GEO. L. SMITH, Collector. 



Washmqton, D. C, September 24, 1878. 
Georye L- Smith, Collector of Cust07iis, Neiv Orleans, La. : 

I am informed that the Howard Association has a large surplus of 
cash, and that there is no pressing emergency to justify further issues 
of rations to yellow fever sufferers in New Orleans. Last order 
suspended. 

GEO. W. McCRARY, Secretary of War. 



Box 33, Washington, September 24, 1878. 
Hon. George L. Smith: 

My Dear Sir — I see it stated in the public press that the relief 
committees of New Orleans have a large amount of money on hand. 
Will 3'ou have the kindness to advise me if this is true? I have 
inquiries from all parts of the country asking me where to send 
money and supplies, and I am very anxious to direct the relief to the 
places where it is most needed. I shall be glad if you can keep me 
advised in reference to New Orleans. 

Sincerely yours' JOHN M. WOODWORTH. 




Office Orleans Central Relief Committee, \ 
New Orleans, September 16, 1878. i 
To the Howard Association — 

Gentlemen — The rations donated by the Government have been 
distributed by the Orleans Central Relief Committee. No funds 
were sent us to properly effect the distribution. We are therefore 
obliged to call upon you. The object and aim of the Committee 
were similar to yours in many respects. We were engaged in 
relieving the families of the sick with food ; certain expenses have 
been unavoidable. We enclose herewith a statement of the amounts 
due by us. These expenses have been absolutely necessary. Pleaae 





Report of Orleans Central Relief Committee. 77 



let us know if you can pay the amounts, either to the parties direct 
or through us. 

We remain, yours resp'y, FRANK L. RICHARDSON, 

Chairman O. C. R. C. 




Office of the Howard Association, 58 Camp St., ") 
New Orleans, September 36, 1S7S. / 
Frank L. Richardson, Chah-man 0. C. R. C. : 

Dear Sir — Pursuant to a resolution passed at the meeting of this 
organization held this evening, I have the pleasure to await upon 
vou with draft on our Treasurer for five hundred dollars. Con- 
gratulating you on the marked success you have made in your 
undertaking, with assurances of high regard and esteem, I am, 
yours, very respectfully, 

F. R. SOUTHMAYD, Sec'y. 




U. S. Revenue Marine Steamer John A Dix, \ 
Pensacola, Fla., October 4, 1878. j 

Hon. Geo. L. Smith, N. 0., La. : 

Sir — I am requested by the officers and crew of this vessel named 
in the accompanying list, to transmit to your charge the sum of 
sixty-two dollars, to be used as you may deem proper in aiding dis- 
tressed yellow fever sufferers. The drafts on the Assistant Treasurer 
of the United States at New Orleans were procured in order to save 
expense of money order or exchange. We wish our contribution 
could be larger, but trust the small amount may aid you in reliev- 
ing some of our distressed countrymen. The following is a list of 
the persons who contributed : Captain A. B. Davis, |7 ; Lieut. G. 
E. McConnell, $5 ; Lieut. Edmund Burke, $3 ; Chief Engineer 
Stephen Kcogh, $5 ; Assistant Engineer Philip Lettig, $2 ; Boat- 
swain Francis Moll, $1 ; Carpenter Carl Bromberg, $5 ; Master-at- 
Arms Joseph Hickey, $2 ; Ship's Cook Otto Swanberg, $3 ; Captain's 
Steward John Dyer, $2 ; M. R. Steward J. II. Andrews, |;2 ; Second 
Masters Wm. Deming and Andrew Johnson, $1 each ; Coxswain 
George Wilson, f!l ; Coxswain Samuel VanWinkle, 1?2; Pilot James 
Anderson, $1 ; Firemen Michael Freely and Thomas E. Cranmer, 
$3 each ; Firemen Joseph M. Hilditch and Fred Horrocks, $1 each; 
Coal-Passers George W. Harrison and Bentley Blanchard, $1 each ; 
Seamen Henry Lemker, John Connelly, Charles White, Wm. 




Berry, and William Grafe, $1 eacK ; O. Seamen Samuel L. Nicholson, 
$1 ; First Cabin Boys William Dickinson and F. Dovenmulile, $1 
each. Very truly yours, in sympathy and appreciation, 

ALFRED B. DAVIS, Captain. 



Wa,'^hin(/toii, D. C, October 6, 1S78. 

G. L. Smith, Collector of C u-stoms, New Orleans : 

It appearing tliat the Howard Association arc contributing to- 
ward the reliet of the destitute, whether sick or not, and that ihere 
is want and suffering that they cannot relieve, I have, by direction 
of the President, ordered that the additional forty thousand rations 
be sent forward. This is probably all tliat I can do, and you must 
continue to appeal to the charitable for help. 

GEO. W. McCRARY, Slc'v of War. 



Bonham, Texas, October S, 1S78. 
New Orleam Relief Committee : 

Gentlemen— Enclnaed please find check on Louisiana National 
Bank for fifty dollars, for benefit of yellow fever sufferers, for which 
plea'^e acknowledge receipt. I regret that I am not able to do more 
for tlie people of my native State in their dire calamity, but hope 
that my mite, added to the donations flowing from every part of this 
generous country, will relieve the most pressing wants of your 
citizens. With my most sincere wishes for the speedy deliverance 
of your people, I am, gentlemen, 

Yours respectfully, R. W. CAMPBELL. 




New Orleans, October 8, 1878. 
N. O. Central Coniinittee, Major Richardson, Chairman- : 

Dear Sir — Having had a press of business, I did not get time to 
make report to you of our necessities and number of requisitions 
re(^iurid, at the hour mciitioned ; but we now report to your Com- 
mittee that five hundred requisitions would not be an overestimate 
ti) fill the applications of our visiting members, and wliich applica- 
tions we have not been able to fill to date. 

Yours respectfully, W. (\ SHEPARD, 

Chairman Relief Com. Y. M. C. A. 



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Bryan, Ohio, October S, 1878. 
Orleans Relief Committee : 

Sirs — I enclose money order for $9.85, to be used for relief of 
yellow fever sufferers. Please send me a receipt as soon as conve- 
nient, so that I may show the donors that it was received by you. 
Respectfully, H. L. JAQl^ES. 



Cedar Hapids, Iowa, October 9, 1S7S. 
Frank L. Richardson, New Orleans : 

Dear Sir — Your favor of the 5th at hand and noted. There 
seems to be some misunderstanding between the two Mr. Galpins. 
one of which is in our employ and the other a resident of your city. 
We have never given Mr. G- any authority to donate anything, 
and we think they have taken a good deal upon themselves to use 
our name in connection with a car load of pork. We fully sym- 
pathize with you and your city in all your trouble, and we would 
gladly assist you had we not already given to the extent of our ability. 
Hoping soon to hear more favorable reports from the suffering 
South, we remain, 

Yours truly, T. M. SINCLAIR & CO. 



Office of the Howard Associcdion, 58 Camp Street, } 
New Orleans, October 9, 1878. j 
F. L. Richardson, Chairman. 0. C. R. C. : 

Dear Sir — It affords us much pleasure to hand you the enclosetl 
check on our Treasurer for one thousand dollars, being your insti- 
tution's pro rata of a remittance made us for distribution by the 
Hon. Henry L- Pierce, Mayor of Boston. Appreciating the efforts 
of your Committee in assisting to relieve the destitution in our 
midst, I remain with sentiments of esteem and regard, 

Your obedient servant, F. N. OGDEN, Vice-Pres. 



Mayor's Office, Prmndence, R. L, Oct. 23, 1878. 
F. L. Richardson, President 0. C. R. C. : 

Dear Sir — The appeal of your Committee was received on the 
19th inst., and inserted in the Providence Journal of Monday, 21st 
inst., as you will see by the slip enclosed. I had inserted in the 
Journal of Saturday, 19th, the appeal of the Homoeopathic Asso- 



x; 





3X. 



Report of Orlesms Central Relief Committee. 



ciation, as also enclosed. The notices of the ^Howards in New 
Orleans, Meiupliis and Vicksburg, that no more funds were re- 
quired, effectually closed our collections, and I find it about im- 
possible to start the work again. In response to jour call the Ger- 
man organizations of this city brought me one hundred and twen- 
ty-five dollars, which I now enclose in a check to your order, of 
the National Eagle Bank on First National Bank of New York, 
for that sum, the receipt of which please acknowledge. The pro- 
ceeds you will apply to the work of your organization, and I sin- 
cerely hope that I shall be able to transmit further sums for the 
same purpose. Yours very truly, 

THOS. A. DOYLE, Mavor and Chairman. 



New Orleans, October 29, 1S7S. 
Thos. A. Doyle, Mayor Providence, R. I., 

Dear ,S'/r— Enclosed please find the draft for the sum of one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars, which you were kind enough to 
forward to the Orleans Central Relief Committee. I return the 
draft in order to obtain your endorsement upon it. This, by some 
mischance, was omitted. Your eff'orts in our behalf are highly 
appreciated, and your contributions will be well applied to relieve 
some of the many sufferers in our midst from yellow fever. Witli 
highest regards, I remain, yours truly, 

FRANK L. RICHARDSON, 

Chairman O. C. R. C. 




Hamilton, Ontario, Nove^nber 19, 1S7S. 
F. L. Bithard.ion, Esq. : 

Dear Sir — We enclose lierewith an abstract of the invoices of 
goods consigned to you for the relief of the yellow fever sufferers 
in your city, and forwarded on Saturday by Great Western, Michi- 
gan Central, and Kentucky and Illinois Central Railroads. Neith- 
er freight nor charge of any kind should be made on them. We 
trust the shipment will reach you in good order, without delay, 
;uid that the selection will Le adapted to the wants of those who 
are in need. Kindly acknowledge their receipts. We are, dear sir, 



yours faithfully, 



W E. SANFORD, \ .. 
FRANK LELANDf^^*^'"'^^"*^^- 



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APPEAL OF THE COMMITTEE, OCT. 6, 1878. 




To our Fellow-Citizens of the United States : 

For more than two months our city has been afflicted with a most 
destructive epidemic, and to all appearances it will be many long 
days before it ceases its devastating work. A population of over two 
hundred thousand is confined to the close limits of a city. The fear 
of contagion has caused the outside world to cUise its doors against 
us, as against lepers. Strong men, that would gladly work, are 
forced to stand all the day idle, for the workshops and the marts of 
trade are closed. Our homes are being desolated by a plague which 
has thrown the shadow of its horror over the whole world ; even 
beyond the Atlantic the wail of woe iias been heard. Believing 
that an appeal would be favorably received if all the organizations 
that have for many years devoted themselves to doing good on earth 
to their fellow- men, whom Providence has afflicted, could be united 
in one common effort, thirty of the representatives of these organ- 
ized bodies met and selected the undersigned to take the necessary 
measures for relief, and chose the Orleans Central Relief Committee 
to receive and distribute all contributions, this committee having 
just effected the distribution of the Government supplies with gene- 
ral approbation. 

The erroneous impression created by the published statement of 
the Howard Association, a noble but small baud of Samaritans, that 
they had sufficient funds for their purposes, has arrested all efforts 
for our relief. But this Association has stated in its published re- 
ply refusing our demand upon them, that their statement "does not 
and cannot prevent any association or associations from putting 
forth its or their own appeals for aid to relieve the poor and desti- 
tute.'' Whatever unexpended balance the Howard Association may 
have in its hands, and of which we can obtain no knowledge, they 
declare "that moneys so intrusted to ms (them) are held as a trust 
fund, and must therefore be expended under the supervision of our 
(their) membership." Our humanitarian movement failed in that 
direction. The appeal that we have just made to the Secretary of 
War has also failed, and for the reasons assigned by him, as follows : 
" I am still of the opinion that it is possible for you to get relief 
from private sources, and that it is therefore not a case for the 
extension of government aid in tiio absence of authority." 

You, who have already nobly responded to the calls of others for 
relief, know only that the city is filled with the plague-smitten and 
dying ; but anotlier afflictiori, scarcely less to be dreaded, follows 
disease into many homes, and smites the strong and well. Hunger 
and want claim many whom the pestilence spares. To the sick are 
given medicines; to the dead, burial ; and we appeal to the humane 
of our country to save from starvation those who are well. 

Signed : Frank L. Richardson, Chairman of Committee ; Isaac 
N. Marks, Pres. Firemen's Char. Ass'n ; Augustus Reichard, First 
Vice-Pres. La. AsVn Army of Tenn.; York A. Woodward, Com- 
mander Grand Army of the Republic; 



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Xew Orleans. Dficemher 17. 187S. 

The foregoing is a true unci correct report of tlie pro- 
ceedings, receipts, and expenditures of this Committee. 

FRANK L. RICHARDSON, Pres. 

I. N. MARKS, 

ALBERT VOORHIES, 

ISAAC SCHERCK, 

VICTOR SERE, 

WILLIAM WRIGHT, 

WILLIAM CI. BROWN, 

JESSE K. BELL, 

JACOB IIASSINCtER, 

ALBERT BALDWIN, Treasurer. 
THAU. WATERMAN, Secretary. 




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